Via the St. Croix River Association, a St. Croix 360 partner:

Calling all boaters, angles, beach goers, shoreline owners, and river enthusiasts; we need your help in being early detectors of alien species in our rivers. The St. Croix River Association and several partners are offering Project RED, a free workshop to for you to become “Riverine Early Detectors”.  The workshops will take place at the St. Croix River Association office in St. Croix Falls, and is offered twice, on July 16 or July 27.

Project RED is a monitoring program that trains people to identify and report invasive species within river corridors statewide. During this FREE training, the participants will learn to monitor rivers for species that give cause for concern. Instructors from River Alliance of Wisconsin, National Park Service, and Polk County Land & Water Conservation will lead the training which will focus on species identification, detection tips, how to use equipment and how to record findings.

Participants will be asked to choose a location to monitor that is convenient to them on the St. Croix or one of the Wisconsin tributaries. The training will take place in the classroom and in the field, with the day ending on a paddle on the St. Croix, from Franconia Landing to Osceola Landing. All equipment, including boats for the float will be supplied along with a light lunch or snacks.  The protocols are easy and fun and this activity will help participants become more familiar with rivers or streams and engage friends and neighbors!

The aggressive alien species that are the main threat along the St. Croix include: Eurasian watermilfoil, Curly-leaf Pondweed, Zebra mussels, Yellow iris, Garlic mustard, Purple loosestrife, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, and Asian carp.

The Project RED training on July 16 is from 1pm to 5:30 pm, and July 27 from 9am to 1:30pm. Dress for being in the field and on river. Bring sunscreen, bug spray anything you might need to be comfortable outside. While there is no charge, registration is required. Interested individuals can register online and learn more by visiting http://stcroixriverassociation.org/featured/project-red-training/‎ or call the St. Croix River Association at 715-483-3300.

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