RSVP for Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day
media release: Water lovers of all ages are invited to join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on August 19th, 2023. This fun, hands-on effort, known as AIS Snapshot Day, relies on volunteers to monitor streams, lakes, and wetlands at designated sites across the state, for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife. Volunteers have a choice to register at one of over twenty event locations hosted by local conservation groups.
Coordinated in partnership by UW-Madison Division of Extension, UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Snapshot Day is entering its’ 10th successful year. Information collected will be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inform and guide monitoring and response efforts. Volunteers are key to the success of the event.
“Projects like AIS Snapshot Day are a fun and simple way for volunteers to get engaged and for the local site leaders and DNR to collaborate” says Maureen Ferry, DNR AIS Monitoring Coordinator. “DNR has a long list of sites with suspected but unverified AIS that AIS Snapshot Day monitoring targets. This increases the chances of volunteers finding a species. Plus, each year, we make new detections.” Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event.
This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Check out our story map from 2022!
This handbook provides an overview of what to expect when participating as a Snapshot Day Volunteer!
A virtual volunteer training will take place on Friday, August 11, from noon-1pm. Although not required, the training will give volunteers background information on the history of Snapshot Day, as well as an overview of monitoring protocols and species identification. You can register for the training here.
Schedule – Day Of
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Sign in at your Snapshot Day location 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 you Snapshot Day location to report your finds!
*Times may vary by location
Locations
You will choose the location where you would like to participate when you register. You will be contacted by your Site Leader with specific details prior to the event.
Madison – Dane County (Warner Park)
around the state:
Altoona – Eau Claire County (Altoona Beach)
Arkdale – Adams County (Petenwell County Park)
Blanchardville – Lafayette County (Yellowstone State Park)
Elkorn – Walworth County (Walworth County Government Center)
Ellsworth – Pierce County (Summit Hill Park)
Green Bay – Brown County (Pamperin Park)
Janesville – Rock County (Kiwanis Pond Park Shelter)
Kewaunee – Kewaunee County (Selner Park)
Lake Tomahawk – Oneida County (Lake Tomahawk boat landing) – EVENT HELD AUGUST 18
Luck – Polk County (Cafe Wren)
Madison – Dane County (Warner Park)
Manitowish Waters – Vilas County (Rest Lake Pavillion)
Manitowoc – Manitowoc County (Lower Henry Schuette Park – Manitowoc River Access)
Merrill – Lincoln County (Prairie Trails Park)
Mountain – Oconto County (Riverview Townhall)
Mukwonago – Waukesha County (Miniwaukan Park)
Phelps – Vilas County (Lakefront Pines Park)
Racine – Racine County (Island Park)
Shawano – Shawano County (Huckleberry Harbor)
Sheboygan – Sheboygan County (Maywood Environmental Park)
Trempealeau – Trempealeau County (Central Park)
Wascott – Douglas County (Whitefish Lake public boat landing)
Wausau – Marathon County (Bluegill Bay County Park)
West Bend – Washington County (Sandy Knoll County Park)
Wisconsin Dells – Juneau County (Upham Woods Nature Center