Snapshot Day 2022

"I would tell people that you can't NOT be impressed, when you see things differently." Snapshot Day Volunteer

Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local groups in a search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands from these invasive plants and animals that negatively impact habitat, wildlife, recreation and health. This event is coordinated in partnership with UW-Madison Division of Extension, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and YOU!

These early detection efforts are vital in identifying new invaders and monitoring the movements of existing invasive populations in rivers and lakes.

River Alliance hosted the very first Snapshot Day in 2014, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Extension Lakes. The event was organized to detect invasive species entering our rivers through pathways related to human access, with bridges at stream crossings being a key focus.

Since then the program has grown - University of Wisconsin Extension has joined as a coordinating partner and the focus has expanded to include lakes and other sites.

The premise and training are the same—volunteers and local partners join up to help prevent the spread of invasive species that harm rivers, lakes and wetlands. The statewide “citizen-science” approach helps maximize the number of sites being checked. 

Every year, following a brief training on species identification and monitoring protocols, teams are equipped with the tools and know-how needed to find aquatic invasive species.

Specimens are collected, photographed, and recorded on data sheets. In the afternoon everyone reconvenes with their samples, where trainers help to verify their findings and celebrate a great day outdoors.

This immersive process of getting to know our waters by "diving in" and gathering unique specimens creates an educational experience like no other – it changes the way we look at a river or lake and opens our eyes to the diverse species within them.

Results of Snapshot Day are used to help guide statewide management and prevention efforts. Often times teams find invasive species that are already present in the area or they find no target species at all. These data are just as important as the finding of the "new invader" that we are all on the lookout for.

All data are good data! Even sites where nothing was found. They can aid in tracking populations over time and even help measure the success of managing long-established species. 

Groups are on the hunt for about 24 different species. Our species list was determined with the help of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These invasive species were identified as those that are common and likely to spread, species that require additional coverage information, and species that are currently less common and we would like to stop sooner. Swipe through the slide show below to see the species we train our volunteers to identify. Please note that some locations train volunteers on fewer, more locally relevant species.

Jump into the Snapshot Day experience!

Scroll on to learn more about how volunteers are helping protect Wisconsin's waters. Explore our interactive maps, meet our partners, and see our results.

Learning how to identify AIS, monitoring rivers, streams, and lakes, and reporting your discoveries are critical steps in early detection and prevention. Snapshot Day is a great introduction to AIS monitoring and one of many programs in the statewide AIS prevention network. 

If you are interested in learning more and are looking for more ways to get involved, check out these opportunities and resources. Consider them all additions to your AIS prevention toolkit!

(CLMN) creates a bond between 1000+ citizen volunteers statewide and the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. CLMN staff provide volunteers with the necessary equipment and training to conduct monitoring activities, including AIS, Water Quality, Native Aquatic Plant Monitoring and more.

For details and great resources   visit the UW Extension Lakes CLMN page  .

Water Action Volunteers (WAV) is a citizen science program that recruits, trains & supports volunteer stream monitors. Like Snapshot Day, WAV volunteers collect high quality data that is shared and used in natural resource management decisions. While AIS are a component, WAV takes you to the next level.

If you are ready to really get to know your streams and get in touch with nature, WAV is for you! Volunteers will be looking for elements of stream health that include dissolved oxygen, flow, temperature and more. Dive in and make a difference by  visiting the WAV website here  . 

One important way you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species is to clean your watercraft before and after leaving rivers and lakes.

Participants in the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program conduct watercraft inspections at high-traffic boat landings and access points in Wisconsin, educating boaters and anglers on aquatic invasive species and the steps for prevention.

You can get involved by volunteering at a CBCW event near you or by attending a training and becoming an inspector! Learn more   here  .