Take action against invasive species this August on Snapshot Day 2023!

You may have heard about invasive species harming your favorite Wisconsin lakes and rivers. It’s true–when invasive species are introduced into ecosystems, they may threaten the health and balance of native plants and animal resources.

A young boy and a woman inspecting an invasive aquatic plant along a pond shore

Fortunately, on August 19th, you can get involved in Wisconsin’s 10th annual Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day to protect local waterways from invasive species!

The event, held by the Water Action Volunteers in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and others, is an important, state-wide survey that collects population data on invasive species across Wisconsin’s rivers, streams, and wetlands. On Snapshot Day, water lovers and community groups head into waterways with rakes, waders, and a healthy dose of excitement to identify and report on invasive species populations.

Wading into the water is always fun and exciting, but volunteers also have an important task. The data they collect feeds into the Department of Natural Resources’s statewide database, known as SWIMS, which is responsible for creating environmental management plans across Wisconsin communities.

Volunteers make this event possible. Emily Heald, Extension Rivers Educator and coordinator of the event, suggests that “sometimes volunteers find invasive species that have never been found in an area before!”

Last year, Snapshot brought in over 100 volunteers that monitored 92 of Wisconsin’s water bodies. They detected over 10 different invasive species across the state.

Woman and young girl observe mollusk shell next to a lakeshore

If you have an interest in water and enthusiasm to get outside, this event is for you. No experience is necessary, and volunteers will be trained the day of the event! An optional virtual training session will be held on Friday, August 11th.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring outdoor supplies of their own, which can be found on the Snapshot Day checklist. When volunteers arrive at their monitoring sites, they will be trained on invasive species identification and monitoring protocols and outfitted with data sheets before beginning their surveys. Curious about where the nearest monitoring site is? Visit the Snapshot Day 2023 website!

Celebrate and engage with one of the most important invasive species monitoring events in the state by registering here for Snapshot Day!