MONITOR aquatic invasive species

Help us search for the next invasive species

Monitor for aquatic invasive species to help protect our lakes and rivers.

Southeast Wisconsin's lakes and rivers are vulnerable to the impacts of aquatic invasive species (AIS). From crowding out native plants and wildlife to reducing water quality and recreational opportunities, AIS threatens the health of our waters.

AIS Detectors monitor lakes and rivers to detect invasives early when it may still be possible to isolate or eradicate them. AIS populations found early require less money and effort to manage.

Why become an AIS Detector?

Help protect our lakes and rivers from the next invasive species
Learn how to collect and share monitoring data
Contribute to water management decisions
Connect more meaningfully with lakes and rivers
Enjoy more time outside

Requirements

Once a month from June to August individuals, groups or families monitor a lake or river. Monitoring takes an hour or more depending on the size of the lake or length of river.

Submit monitoring data to the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS).

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

How to get started

1. Attend a Training

Complete an in-person workshop or schedule one-on-one training. At the training you will learn how to recognize aquatic invasive species, review monitoring techniques, and receive monitoring equipment. Sign up by filling out a volunteer interest form.

➡️ Visit the events page for upcoming workshops.

➡️ Watch the AIS Monitoring Tutorial to learn the basics of monitoring.

➡️ Monitoring Manual