Dakota County Invasive Species Early Detection Volunteer

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General Description

To help protect our natural resources in our Dakota County parks we need a dedicated team of people to help scout and report new infestations of invasive plants. County staff can then use that data to help plan and begin strategies to address the problem.

Invasive plants threaten the health of our ecosystems by decreasing diversity within a plant community and providing few benefits to wildlife. Although many invasive species have a strong foothold in parts of Minnesota, it is crucial to identify and control NEW infestations before they spread too far.

If you enjoy being outdoors and want to contribute to conservation, consider becoming an Early Detection Volunteer!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend one training
• Spend 2 or more hours per month scouting your designated conservation zone
• Report invasive species sightings

Qualifications

• Can walk on and off trails comfortably
• After the training, can identify the target invasive species
• Can work independently
• Knowledge of/ability to identify other invasive plants is a plus
• Access to a smartphone or tablet is a plus

Required Training

June 16, 2020

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center

860 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN 55123

Volunteers will receive all necessary training from Parks staff, including program protocol and plant identification. One hour will be spent indoors reviewing the program goals, volunteer expectations, and hands-on plant identification course. Then, you will practice the protocol outdoors with staff.

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours per month

Activity Level

Moderate - To fully participate may require leisurely walking over primarily even surfaces. There may be a limited number of steps, a minimal amount of uneven surfaces, and some standing for extended periods of time. Comfortable shoes recommended.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us