If you’re looking for a fun way to get involved with your community and help protect area lakes, consider joining the AIS Detectors program this spring. The program was created by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and University of Minnesota Extension, and trains participants in:

• The basics of aquatic ecology
• AIS identification, impacts, and biology
• Minnesota rules and regulations
• Preventing the spread of AIS
• Reporting possible invasions

Upon completing the training, participants are equipped to volunteer around the state and make a difference in the areas of citizen science, outreach and education, stewardship, and support of AIS programs. 
As a participant, you’ll first take an online course that can be completed on your own time from home, at a public library, or anywhere else with access to the internet. Then, you’ll attend one in-person, full day workshop where you’ll apply the knowledge and skills that you learned in the online course. Workshops will be held the following days and locations:

• April 20 in Arden Hills
• April 27 in Victoria
• May 4 in Owatonna
• May 11 in Willmar
• May 17 in Brainerd
• June 1 in Duluth

Learn more details about the program and find information about registration at www.AISdetectors.org.

 

- Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)