Dakota County Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP)

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General Description

Since 1997, the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) has monitored wetland health and stability throughout Dakota and Hennepin counties. The valuable data collected by volunteers during the season is shared with local decision-makers and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help give a better picture of local water quality and wetland biodiversity and health throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

WHEP volunteers annually monitor and evaluate wetland health based on species diversity and population of macroinvertebrates (think dragonflies and snails) and plants using assessment protocols and tools to collect valuable data. Volunteers work as in teams and are guided by volunteer team leaders. WHEP volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds but all share a common interest in understanding and protecting wetlands. All training and equipment is provided by Dakota County.

Location/Date/Time

Registration will begin early in the spring each year. Each person will pick a team designated by city/region. The program schedule is determined by the team leader and group and varies with each team. The program runs May through August (various dates and times determined by team and city).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in group outings (as many as you can make) as scheduled by the team.
• Help collect samples and data in the field.
• Participate in lab and field work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to stand for periods of time in uneven terrain.
• Enjoys working in groups outdoors.
• Not worried about getting wet and muddy at times.
• Some weekend hours may be required.
• Family-friendly but we recommend this program to those who are 5 years old or older. If under 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or older) while volunteering.

Minimum Time Commitment

20 - 40 hours during the summer season, hours vary by volunteer

Activity Level

Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.

Recommended Training

No current experience is required. All trainings are provided by Dakota County. Below are this year's training sessions and locations.

Training

Intro to WHEP and Field Methods

Date/Time

Tuesday, May 20

Check-in at 5:30 p.m.

Training at 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Location

Dakota Lodge, Thompson County Park - West St. Paul

Macro-invertebrate Identification Training

Saturday, June 7

Check-in at 8:00 a.m.

Training at 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Inver Hills Community College - Heritage Hall Room 203

Vegetation Identification Training

Monday, June 30

Check-in at 4:30 p.m.

Training at 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Empire Lake Picnic Shelter, Whitetail Woods Regional Park - Farmington

Additional Information

For additional information about this program, check out this intro video or visit the MN WHEP website.

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