Invasive Plant Detection Training

Invasive Yellow Flag Iris.\Photo by James St. John.

The Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council will hold a series of online sessions this year that provide training in “Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR),” the watchwords for those hoping to nip invasive species in the bud.  The first of these takes place on Friday, June 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon, and is devoted to invasive aquatic plants.

EDRR depends on a network of knowledgeable citizens serving as scouts for scientists and resource managers—volunteers who know what to look for and where to report likely invaders.  It is thus a classic form of citizen science in which anyone can help to extend our knowledge of the natural world.

The event is free and open to all, and is co-sponsored by EPA and NOAA.  The subject matter includes:

*Aquatic invasive plant ecology and identification with survey and reporting methods;

*Best Management Practices (BMP) for lake residents and users;

*Basic limnology (lake ecosystems); and

*Cyanobacteria basics (with a further training session to come on identification and reporting).

To register:  https://www.pnw-ipc.org.

For more information:  info@pnw-ipc.org.