Invasive Species Programs
We have a variety of different invasive species monitoring programs. Have a browse and see which ones interest you!
You can make a deference in the ecology of our area by getting involved with prevention, detection and control of invasive species. Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that threaten the environmental health of our watersheds by displacing native Wisconsin creatures. This can lead to a negative effect on local economies as land and water resources are degraded and recreational hobbies like hunting, fishing and boating are made less enjoyable. Prevention of hitchhiking organisms and early detection through monitoring is the most effective way to halt these harmful species before they are widely established.
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Become a vital part of the Upper Sugar Citizen Science program as we inventory and monitor the presence of invasive species while working to prevent their spread. Monitoring for invasive species is fun and rewarding, and your work will be shared both locally and nationally to help natural resource managers make informed decisions about control and funding.
Clean Boats Clean Waters
With the growing concern over the spread of aquatic invasive​ species to Wisconsin’s inland lakes and rivers, many lake and river association members and other concerned citizens are looking for ways to get involved. The Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspection program is an opportunity to take a front line defense against the spread of aquatic invasive species.
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Through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, inspectors are trained to organize and conduct a boater education program in their community. Adults and youth teams educate boaters on how and where invasive species are most likely to hitch a ride into waterbodies. Inspectors perform boat and trailer checks for invasive specie​s, distribute informational brochures, and collect and report any new AIS presence in waterbodies.
Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol
​Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a flowering plant that can reach 3’-7’ tall and is listed as a Restricted Invasive Species in Wisconsin because of its history of causing negative ecological impacts to wetlands and shorelines. Extensive populations of the plants that were found throughout the state by the latter half of the 1900s have been brought down to a manageable level in most areas thanks to tiny beetles and the people who rear and release them where needed.
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Wisconsin DNR has been using four insects from Europe to control purple loosestrife since 1994. Careful research has shown that all four control species, referred to as biological agents, do not threaten native plants or cause other issues. For example, they do not overwinter in our homes. The process is classic biocontrol, and it is likely the best long-term control for purple loosestrife, reducing the need for other more costly and disruptive methods, such as herbicides or large-scale digging.
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Since 1997 over a thousand people across the state have shared in the fun of rearing beetles and releasing them into local purple loosestrife populations in wetlands, lake and river shorelines, and ditches. Some folks have participated for over 20 years! There are several ways to help.
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After thaw in spring, help dig up purple loosestrife root balls and repot them to be used as rearing plants.
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Net these pots in small swimming pools hosted by volunteers to raise vigorous plants free of insect predators.
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Volunteers help collect cella beetles and release them into the netted purple loosestrife pots to rear more beetles for later release.
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Once beetle larvae have matured and are ready for release volunteers deliver the adult cella beetles to sites in need of purple loosestrife suppression.
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Return plants with any remaining beetles to the dig site to aid in the suppression and control of purple loosestrife.
Snapshot Day
An Overview of Snapshot Day
Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that may negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. This event is coordinated in partnership with UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and YOU!
Check out our story map from 2022 and our blog post of the results of Snapshot Day 2023!
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What You’ll Do
You will meet at a local training site of your choosing, hosted by one of our local partners. After a short training on how to identify target aquatic invasive species and how to follow search protocols, volunteers will look for invasive species at critical monitoring sites, and potential invasive species will be verified and cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to guide species control and conservation management plans. This is a free event and no experience or special equipment is required.
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This is event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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This handbook provides an overview of what to expect when participating as a Snapshot Day Volunteer! It also has information on how to make your own DIY hand scoop that you can bring to Snapshot Day to search for invasive species in the sand/muck/sediment.
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A virtual volunteer training was held on August 2nd. It was recorded and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/4tx4Ls6FCBQ
It is strongly recommended to view the training video prior to the event.
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Schedule – Day Of
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Sign in at your location and receive site assignment.
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!
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*Times may vary slightly by location
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