Snapshot Day Yields New Data on Aquatic Invasive Species Thanks to Volunteer Efforts

On August 10, 2024, water enthusiasts from every corner of Wisconsin gathered for a one-day, statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) scavenger hunt as part of the 11th annual AIS Snapshot Day. This dynamic event is centrally coordinated by UW Extension in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Extension Lakes, and many county and nonprofit organizations across the state. Volunteers of all ages met at various local meeting points across the state to get hands-on training in identifying AIS such as Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and freshwater golden clams before embarking on field searches at pre-selected locations.

Snapshot Day, which began with a focus on rivers and streams, has broadened its scope to encompass lakes and wetlands. This year’s event saw 159 participants gather across 25 meeting locations, who then monitored 115 sites across 82 different waterbodies in Wisconsin. AIS were detected at 64% of these monitoring sites, highlighting the ongoing need for continued monitoring.

The data collected from Snapshot Day is uploaded to the statewide water quality database, SWIMS, aiding in tracking the spread of invasive species and creating effective management strategies. As one participant put it, “The event was a great way to connect with local residents and look at local spots in a whole new way!”

We extend a massive thank you to all the volunteers, partner organizations, and site leaders who made this year’s event a success. Enjoy a few “snapshots” of our dedicated volunteers in action across the state! If your location isn’t featured or if you’d like to add more photos to our collection, please reach out to Rivers Educator, Emily Heald, at emily.heald@wisc.edu.

Don’t forget to follow Snapshot Day on Facebook for the latest event updates and other AIS news: https://www.facebook.com/uwaisprogram