Project RED training in Polk County.
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June is Invasive Species Action Month! |
What is an invasive species you may ask?
Invasive species are often non-native (i.e., not originally from Wisconsin) plants or animals that rapidly take over a new location, negatively impacting habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. Invasive species often out-compete native species as their natural predators and competitors don't exist in their new ecosystem.
Aquatic invasive species, or AIS, are invasive species that have been introduced to aquatic habitats that are not in their native range. Because the exact effects of aquatic invasive species are often unpredictable, the best method of controlling AIS is preventing their spread in the first place.
The next best method of control is early detection. Finding an AIS early in its introduction allows us to have a better chance of controlling, and potentially fully removing, the invasive plant or animal.
Read this month's newsletter to learn ways you can get involved with AIS monitoring through WAV.
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Join us for a Project RED Training |
Learn how to identify and report aquatic invasive species (AIS) in rivers and streams by attending an AIS Training with Project Riverine Early Detectors (Project RED)!
Three reasons why you should sign-up:
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You'll help with early detection and rapid response of AIS - AIS populations that are detected early require less money and effort to manage.
- You'll contribute to the Wisconsin DNR database, where your data will be used by researchers and managers to better understand how invasive species are spreading throughout Wisconsin's waters.
- It's free and no experience is necessary!
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Register for an AIS training near you!
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Sign-up for Snapshot Day 2026 |
Volunteer registration is now open for Snapshot Day 2026!
Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event in search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). This year, Snapshot Day will take place on Saturday, August 8th at over 200+ locations in Wisconsin!
Register to help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from aquatic invasive species 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!
Sign-up today!
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How to Report a Suspected AIS |
Found an aquatic or wetland invasive plant or animal? Follow these instructions from the Wisconsin DNR to report your findings!
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- Photograph Take a digital photo(s) of the species in the setting where it was found and include a common object in the photo for size reference.
- For plants include flowers, leaves, stem arrangements, and fruits.
- For animals include shells, top and bottom and any identifying characteristics.
- Collect up to 5 intact specimens to aid identification.
- For plants, try to get the root system, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Place plants in a Ziplock bag with a damp paper towel.
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For animals, try to get the entire animal if possible. Place animals in a jar with water or ethanol. Place on ice and store in a refrigerator as soon as possible.
- Record details: Take notes on the exact location of the suspect AIS, preferably a GPS coordinate.
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Submit the photos, specimen and notes to the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Regional Coordinator/Point of Contact and SWIMS.
- WAV stream monitors: If you think you found one of the four AIS species listed on the baseline stream monitoring datasheet at your site, you can enter this info with the rest of your SWIMS data AND also submit a photo to the DNR.
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Kudos to Water Action Volunteers! |
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| Written by Maureen Kalscheur
Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Lead – Bureau of Water Quality/Division of Environmental Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources works closely with our own staff and Extension to bolster awareness and support for the health of our surface waters. One topic with tremendous engagement involves aquatic invasive species. Year after year, the Water Action Volunteers program surpasses our expectations in contributing to invasive species monitoring.
Our department aims to monitor about 1,000 locations annually for invasive species. I am so proud to share that of the more than 1,000 monitoring events in 2025, over 300 were from WAV and over 100 were from AIS Snapshot Day. WAV has even been a top reporter of the rare NR 40 prohibited species.
We are humbled by your efforts and hope you accept our applause to thank you!
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Have a Stream Monitoring Question? |
Submit a stream monitoring question to WAV for a chance to have it answered in next month's newsletter!
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Help preserve and protect Wisconsin’s streams
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| The Water Action Volunteers (WAV) stream monitoring program is an ongoing partnership between the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with over 50 local groups and organizations.
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