Are you ready to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species?
Please join Vermont Lakes & Ponds Program staff at free online workshops and in-person workshops/paddle sessions offered to train Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) and Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals (VIPAs). We train volunteers to monitor lakes and ponds for invasive species. VIP trainings cover tactics to survey healthy native plant populations, and to reduce the threat for invasive plant species introductions. VIPA trainings cover the various monitoring methods to detect and identify invasive animal species.
Training Workshop Topics:
• Aquatic invasive species identification, biology, and lake ecology; Aquatic invasive species threats to native species; Surveying and monitoring techniques; Overview of invasive plant management and tools.
Field & Paddle Survey Training Topics:
• Surveying and monitoring demonstration; Hands-on aquatic plant identification; Using field guides to key out specimen; AIS specimen review. Pre-registration is required. Online training will use Microsoft Teams.
Please register for all VIP/A trainings by clicking here.
Contact Lizzy Gallagher at Elizabeth.Gallagher@vermont.gov with questions.
Online Trainings
❖ Thursday, June 26 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Online
VIP Online Training Workshop – Plant Focused
❖ Monday, June 30 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Online
VIPA Online Training Workshop – Animal Focused
Onsite Trainings
❖ Saturday, June 7 9:00 am – 2:30 pm Joe’s Pond (Rain Date –Sunday, June 8)
9:00-12:30 pm VIP In-Person Training Workshop Joe’s Pond Association Pavilion
1:00-2:30 pm VIP Paddle Survey Training Joe’s Pond VT Fish & Wildlife Access
❖ Saturday, June 14 9:00 am – 11:00 am Berlin Pond
9:00-11:00 am AIS Background Paddle Paddle Berlin Pond VT Fish & Wildlife Access
❖ Tuesday, June 24 9:00 am – 2:30 pm Retreat Meadows (Rain Date –Wed., June 25)
9:00-12:30 pm VIP/A In-Person Training Workshop Windham Regional Career Center
1:00-2:30 pm VIP Paddle Survey Training Retreat Meadows Boat Access
❖ Wednesday, July 16 9:00 am – 2:30 pm Lake Bomoseen (Rain Date- Thursday, July 17)
9:00-12:30 pm VIP/A In-Person Training Workshop Town of Castleton Public Safety Building
1:00-2:30 pm VIP Paddle Survey Training Thomas Evanoika VT Fish & Wildlife Access
If attending a paddle session, you must provide your own watercraft (kayak/canoe) and other on-the-water equipment.
