Are you ready to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species?

Join Vermont Lakes & Ponds Program staff at free online workshops and in-person workshops/paddle sessions offered to train Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) and Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals (VIPAs). We train volunteers to monitor lakes and ponds for invasive species. VIP trainings cover tactics to survey healthy native plant populations, and to reduce the threat for invasive plant species introductions. VIPA trainings cover the various monitoring methods to detect and identify invasive animal species.

Sunday, June 21 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Gale Meadows Pond 9:00-12:30 pm VIP In-Person Training Workshop Winhall Community Arts Center 1:00-2:30 pm VIP Paddle Survey Training Gale Meadows VT Fish & Wildlife Access

Training Workshop Topics

• Aquatic invasive species identification, biology, and lake ecology;
• Aquatic invasive species threats to native species;
• Surveying and monitoring techniques;
• Overview of invasive plant management and tools.

Field & Paddle Survey Training Topics

• Surveying and monitoring demonstration;
• Hands-on aquatic plant identification;
• Using field guides to key out specimen;
• AIS specimen review.

Pre-registration is required. Online training will use Microsoft Teams. Please register for all VIP/A trainings by clicking here.

Contact Lizzy Gallagher at Elizabeth.Gallagher@vermont.gov with questions

Upcoming Online Trainings

Thursday, June 25, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm  - Online VIP Online Training Workshop – Plant Focused Link to Workshop

Monday, June 29 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Online VIPA Online Training Workshop – Animal Focused Link to Workshop

Upcoming Onsite Trainings

Tuesday, July 14 9:00 am - 2:30 pm - Lake Memphremagog 

9:00-12:30 pm - VIP/A In-Person Training Workshop Prouty Beach Pavilion

1:00-2:30 pm - VIP Paddle Survey Training Prouty Beach

Please use the registration link to indicate if you would like to be notified of any additional VIP training opportunities. If attending a paddle session, you must provide your own watercraft (kayak/canoe) and other on-the-water equipment.