Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day – 2024

August 10

Join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species!

Registration opens June 3, 2024

Follow us on Facebook for event updates and all things invasive species: https://www.facebook.com/uwaisprogram

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!

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.  No experience is necessary and training is provided virtually prior to the event.

This is event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Check out our story map from 2022 and our blog post of the results of Snapshot Day 2023!

An Overview of Snapshot Day

This handbook provides an overview of what to expect when participating as a Snapshot Day Volunteer!

There is a recommended, but not required, virtual training on August 2 from noon-1pm. The training will be recorded to folks unable to join us live. Learn more about the virtual training here.

Schedule – Day Of

8:30 AM    –   9:00 AM     Sign in at your Snapshot Day location and receive monitoring site assignments.

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!

*Times may vary slightly by location

Locations

You will choose the location where you would like to participate when you register. You will be contacted by your Site Leader with specific details prior to the event.

Locations are listed below, and registration will open on June 3. 

  • Amery – Polk County (Lakeside Shelter at Garfield Town Park on Lake Wapogasset)
  • Beloit – Rock County (Beckman Mill Park)
  • Cassville – Grant County (Riverside Park Boat Landing)
  • Cedarburg – Ozaukee County (Covered Bridge County Park)
  • Crivitz – Marinette County (Boat Landing No 8 on Caldron Falls Reservoir)
  • Elkhorn – Walworth County (Walworth County Government Center)
  • Ellsworth – Pierce County (Summit Hill Park)
  • Friendship – Adams County (Adams County Castle Rock Park)
  • Hartland – Waukesha County (Nixon Park)
  • Jefferson – Jefferson County (Rock River Landing Park)
  • Kenosha – Kenosha County (Lincoln Park)
  • Kewaunee – Kewaunee County (Selner Park)
  • Lake Tomahawk – Oneida County (Lake Tomahawk Boat Landing)
  • Madison – Dane County (Warner Park)
  • Manitowish Waters – Vilas County (North Lakeland Discovery Center)
  • Manitowoc – Manitowoc County (Henry Schuette Park)
  • Merrill – Lincoln County (Prairie Trails Park)
  • Oshkosh – Winnebago County (Asylum Point Park)
  • Pepin – Pepin County (Pepin Boat Ramp)
  • Phelps – Vilas County (Wavering Park)
  • Richland Center – Richland County (Old Mill Pond Park)
  • Sheboygan – Sheboygan County (Maywood Environmental Park)
  • West Bend – Washington County (Sandy Knoll County Park)
  • Wild Rose – Waushara County (Wild Rose Fish Hatchery)
  • Wisconsin Rapids – Wood County (Nepco Lake County Park) EVENT HELD AUGUST 9
  • Douglas County – Location TBD
  • Site hosted by Rock River Coalition – Location TBD

Location:

Statewide

Cost:

FREE

Contact:

Emily Heald

emily.heald@wisc.edu