Residents Invited to Monitor Waukesha's Waters During Annual Statewide Snapshot Day Event

Waukesha County invites residents of all ages to participate in the 6th Annual Snapshot Day on Saturday, August 17 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at five locations throughout the county. The hands-on citizen science event relies on volunteers to help search for aquatic invasive species in local lakes, rivers and streams. The effort is coordinated in partnership with River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), UW Extension, and over 20 partners from throughout the state.

“This is a great opportunity for volunteers to help protect our waters by detecting potentially harmful plants and animals,” said Cassie Taplin, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Washington and Waukesha Counties. “We are excited to take part in this fun event once again.”

Snapshot Day is free and does not require any previous experience. Volunteers can monitor from the shore with binoculars and rakes or wade in to get a better look. Participants will begin the day with a brief training session from local coordinators at Retzer Nature Center, located at S14W28167 Madison Street in Waukesha. Once trained, groups will head to monitoring sites for the day. Waukesha County Snapshot Day monitoring sites are available below.  The event is recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Register and see event details at www.wisconsinrivers.org/snapshot-day/. Advance registration is recommended by August 2 to receive a free Snapshot Day tote bag with supplies. Registration will remain open until August 15, 2019.

For more information, contact Cassie Taplin, AIS Coordinator for Washington and Waukesha Counties at (262) 483-9687or [email protected]. To learn more about Waukesha County’s invasive species program, visit: www.waukeshacounty.gov/ais or http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/invasives.

###