MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM — Workshops & Events — Volunteer Invasives Patrol
Be Proactive!
You can help protect the local environment by becoming an Invasive Species Citizen Scientist. Invasive species crowd out native species and control measures risk degrading our soil and water resources. Collect data, report your results, and make a difference!
After training, volunteers may monitor as few or as many times as they like, visiting the same or a new spot each time. This project may be suitable for interested middle and high school students and adults from all walks of life. No prior experience necessary. This program is in partnership with Clark Green Neighbors.
The Training
Participants attend two 90-minute trainings sessions (via Zoom) and learn to identify three invasive insects and three invasive weeds that threaten Clark County’s plant diversity.
Participants will:
- Learn about the impact of invasive plants and insects on our native habitat and agricultural industry
- Learn to identify three invasive plants and three invasive insects already found or expected to arrive in our areas.
- Carry out real-world searches for invasive species surveillance and collect reportable data.
- Play a role (if specimens are found) in alerting authorities on the presence of noxious plants and may be early detectors of invasive insects.
Attend one or both — but you must register separately for each training.
Future class registration will be announced in the Upcoming Workshops & Events section above when they are scheduled.
More About Invasives
Invasive species are plants and animals not originally found in a given area. They often arrive accidentally transported on the bottom of a shoe, in firewood or packing materials, to name a few. Once established, they can pose a major threat to wildlife, green spaces, agriculture, and home gardens. Controlling or stopping their spread can be difficult costly and pose can other potential risks to human health and the environment.
Early detection of invasive species allows for the ability to track their spread, potentially halting their establishment. Citizen scientists can play an important role in discovering previously undetected individuals or populations and help stop the spread.
Read more about the plants we’ll be monitoring.
Poison Hemlock
State Postcard
Clark County Fact Sheet
WA State Noxious Weed Control Board
Garlic Mustard
State Postcard
Clark County Fact Sheet
WA State Noxious Weed Control Board
Tansy Ragwort
Clark County Brochure
Clark County Fact Sheet
WA State Noxious Weed Control Board
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Asian Longhorned Beetle Fact Sheet
Emerald Ash Borer Beetle
Emerald Ash Borer Fact Sheet
Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly Fact Sheet
Program Introduction, Training & Reporting
Get trained. Spot something. Report your results. Make a difference!
Invasive weeds training video
Invasive insects training video