Volunteers Needed To Hunt Invasive Species At St. Croix River Bridges

A volunteer at the 2015 AIS Bridge Snapshot Day sweeps a net through a stream. (Photo courtesy River Alliance of Wisconsin)

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, Sept. 10 to search the St. Croix River and its tributaries, as well as other streams around Wisconsin, for non-native species. The effort will provide the location of infestations to river advocates, and help target education and outreach.

During the AIS Bridge Snapshot Day last year, more than 100 volunteers around the state monitored 131 sites and found invasive species at 71 of the sites. The four most common target species found were zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, and faucet snails.

Participants will look for numerous plants and animals that can be detrimental to river ecosystems, including aquarium and water garden plants. Training is provided in simple monitoring protocols for 22 different wetland plants, aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Monitoring sites will vary from parks to culverts. Some places will be good for wading, while others will be observed from dry land. All ages and levels of experience are welcome, and there will be much to learn in the hands-on work. The event is also a good morning outing for groups, clubs, and families.

The St. Croix River Association is sponsoring a project in Polk County, Wisc. It will begin at 9 a.m. at Café Wren in Luck, WI before spreading out to stream crossings around the area. Registration is requested →

This AIS Bridge Snapshot Day is organized by the River Alliance of Wisconsin with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through an AIS Education, Planning and Prevention grant and a grant from the Citizen Based Monitoring Network.

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