Vermont Invasive Patrollers Workshop

Windham NRCD is excited to be partnering with Vermont DEC on an Invasive Patroller Workshop at Sadawga Pond on July 30. More information about the invasive patroller program is below. To learn more about the workshop, please visit: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/lakes/AIS/VIP/VIPTrainingsFlyer2022.pdf

To register for the workshop, please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoKt71tugD5xKdDfDu_XXpdCHclB4Bc5vDLUc4kWoFOxMkqw/viewform

We need your help: Become a Vermont Invasive Patroller!

Early detection is vital to protecting Vermont’s water bodies from harmful invasive plants and animals.  With more than 800 lakes and ponds throughout the state, volunteers play a key role in our surveying efforts.  Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) monitor water bodies for new introductions of invasive species and report their findings to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Also…DEC is launching a brand new Community Science Project this summer, 2022! Be sure to check out the Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals (VIPA) webpage, to learn more about the program and how to become a VIPA. 

woman inspecting invasive collector from her kayak\

Volunteering as a VIP

We ask volunteers to:

  • Participate in a VIP workshop to learn how to identify and survey for aquatic invasive species;
  • During the summer, survey for the presence of invasive plants and animals in a local lake or pond (or a section thereof); and
  • Notify DEC staff of their survey(s) and submit suspicious samples for positive identification.

VIP Workshops 

A VIP workshop spans two to five hours.  All workshops include introductory presentations and hands-on time with plant and animal specimens in the classroom.  Longer workshops also include “field” time on the water to learn survey techniques and practice plant identification skills.

Specific topics addressed include:A trio of kayakers

  • The fundamentals of lake ecology
  • The difference between native, exotic, nuisance and invasive species
  • How invasive species are introduced and established
  • How to identify common aquatic plants and animals, both native and invasive (the latter will be emphasized)
  • How to conduct surveys for invasive species in their natural habitat