Project RED

What is Project RED?

Project Riverine Early Detectors (RED) is a volunteer AIS monitoring program on Wisconsin's moving waters - streams and rivers. It is coordinated by the University of Wisconsin Madison - Division of Extension, in close partnership with the WDNR and our local partners (like you!). Project RED is included under the umbrella of the Water Action Volunteers program, which includes many types of volunteer monitoring activities on streams and rivers.

The public-facing Project RED webpage can be found here: https://wateractionvolunteers.org/projectred/

Becoming a Project RED Trainer

All of the information you need to get started is in the Project RED folder of the AIS Box. The "Train the Trainer" subfolder has a link to a video that walks you through the steps of leading a training from start to finish, including initial planning and volunteer follow up.

The volunteer manual and a guidance on SWIMS data entry are located on both the Project RED webpage or on the AIS Box.

Support for Trainers from Extension

We can help you in many ways to ensure a successful program:

We can assist in connecting you with our network of WAV local partners, in order to connect with local water interest groups.

We can list your scheduled Project RED training on WAV's widely-viewed events webpage.
We provide a "volunteer recruitment and promotional toolkit" located in the Box to help you connect with new partners and effectively advertise your trainings.
We created a PowerPoint training template (found in the Box) for you to modify as needed, and utilize during trainings.
Available on the Box: training sign in sheet, sample of a suggested training agenda, list of items to bring to trainings, identification resources for volunteers, evaluation forms for volunteers to fill out after trainings (not required from Extension, but nice for your own planning purposes), SWIMS data entry guidance for volunteers, and more!
We are able to send you volunteer welcome packets for new volunteers. These folders contain a copy of the volunteer manual, SWIMS data entry guidance, and information on multitudes of AIS.
We are able to provide supplies for volunteers in limited quantities: rope rakes and AIS Early Detector Handbooks.

Questions and Additional Support

If you have questions about Project RED, please reach out! We are very happy to help you with questions or idea bouncing.

Project RED Coordinator: Emily Heald emily.heald@wisc.edu

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