Spend a fun morning doing aquatic science!

On August 10, 2024, join in Wisconsin's statewide search for aquatic invasive species.

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can help protect our local rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that may negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. The Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Wild Warner are coordinating the Madison-area effort in partnership with UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and YOU!

What You’ll Do

Register as soon as possible, so that we can prepare to survey more sites!

Take a short online training (at a time of your choosing) in advance of August 10.

On August 10, meet at Warner Park's Rainbow Shelter. After a brief review of how to identify target aquatic invasive species and how to follow search protocols, volunteers will fan out by car or bike to look for invasive species at pre-designated critical monitoring sites. Bring back baggies of potential invasive species to be verified and cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to guide species control and conservation management plans.

This is a free event and no experience or special equipment is required.

This is event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This handbook provides an overview of what to expect when participating as a Snapshot Day Volunteer!

There is a recommended, but not required, virtual training on August 2 from noon-1pm. The training will be recorded to folks unable to join us live. Learn more about the virtual training here.

Schedule – August 10, 2024

8:30 AM    –   9:00 AM     Sign in at your Snapshot Day location (Rainbow Shelter, Warner Park) and receive monitoring site assignments.

9:00 AM    –   9:30 AM     Brief training tailored to your monitoring sites.

9:30 AM    – 11:30 AM     Search for aquatic invasive species at monitoring sites.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM     Return to your Snapshot Day location to report your finds!

Location

You will choose the Madison location when you register on the statewide site. You will be contacted by your Site Leader with specific details prior to the event.

Register here: https://forms.gle/xTocynrsw2MMnZYCA