Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program is again presenting workshops to help you be a better weed watcher.
The Introductory Invasive Plant Patrol Workshop is presented in 4 parts:
- Overview of invasive species issues in Maine and beyond
- Plant identification fundamentals
- Plant identification hands-on exercise with live plants
- Conducting a screening survey: tools and techniques
This year the York County Workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 3 in Waterboro, ME from 3 to 9PM. Having attended this workshop twice I highly recommend it. All workshop participants receive an “Invasive Plant Patroller’s Handbook” and the Maine Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants.
The Invasive Plant Patrol Field Methods Workshop provides on-lake instruction and practice conducting invasive aquatic plant screening surveys. This workshop will be held Saturday July 28 from 8:30AM to 12:30PM on Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, ME. Though primarily for those who have attended the Introductory Workshop others may attend. You will need to supply your own canoe or kayak.
Both workshops are free and you do not have to be a resident or property owner in ME to attend. To register call (207) 783-7733 or email to vlmp@mainevlmp.org indicating which workshop you wish to attend. On line registration is available at www.mainevolunteerlakeminitors.org/workshops. If you do register I would also like to know that you have so that I can keep my list updated.
If you are already a Weed Watcher and plan to continue, please email me and let me know what portion of the lake you are surveying. Or you can stop at the Weed Watcher table at the Annual Meeting to let us know you are still active. My email is dorothypsmith@gmail.com.
You can also contact the other co-chairs Marcia Hodsdon choddy43@gmail.com or Dee Kasprzak deedeekas@metrocast.net.
Thanks to all weed watchers for the terrific job you do in helping to protect our lake from invasive species!