Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) 101 is a 3-hour online class designed to teach beginner invasive plant patrollers about how to survey for aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Date: April 30th, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM

In this course, volunteers learn how to identify the 15 aquatic invasive plants found on Maine’s watch-list and the threats they pose to Maine’s environment, economy, and public health. In addition to invasives, guests will learn about the beneficial native plants often confused with harmful invaders. The course also teaches beginning IPPers how to safely and effectively survey for plants, how to collect and submit plants for identification, how to properly record and submit survey data, how to organize an effective IPP team, and how to become a Certified Invasive Plant Patroller.

A review quiz accompanies this program. All those seeking Tier 2 Certification must complete this quiz after viewing IPP 101 to be eligible.

REGISTER HERE

Survey123 for IPPers teaches invasive plant patrollers how to use Survey123, an online survey tracking tool.

Date: May 15th, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM

Survey123 is a powerful geographic information system (GIS) tool used in tracking volunteer surveys. In this program, Becky Schaffner of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) demonstrates the basics of Survey123, how volunteers can record aquatic invasive plant survey data, and how Lake Stewards of Maine’s AIS Survey Screening forms relate to how to use Survey123. The program will also cover new additions to Survey123 for 2025, and how the program can be used to more accurately record survey data.

REGISTER HERE

You are invited to be part of the 2025 Lakes Conference:
Lakes at the Edge

The annual lakes conference theme Lakes at the Edge can be interpreted many ways. Many of our lakes are on the edge of rapidly deteriorating health. They are at the tipping point where just a little more phosphorus in the water will tip them toward recurring algal blooms. Many are at the edge of the carrying capacity for development in their watersheds, where runoff from poorly managed roads, roofs and driveways may push their health to, or over, the edge. And of course much of lake conservation work takes place at the literal lake edge. What can we do in the shoreland zone and surrounding uplands of our lakes that keeps them healthy?

No matter how you interpret “lakes at the edge”, you are sure to find something at the 2025 lakes conference to pique your interest.The conference committee is still working to finalize plans but here are some of the topics and speakers we have so far.

REGISTER HERE

Live Plant ID Workshops

Live Plant ID workshops are 3-hour, indoor programs. In these volunteer trainings, guests learn how to use a Field Guide to identify around 40 native and invasive plants. Volunteers handle live plants, use tools to determine their identifies, and determine whether they are invasive or not.

Live Plant ID classes are a good way to be introduced to the study of aquatic invasive plants without the need of on-water equipment. They are also useful skills building workshops for invasive plant patrollers of all skill-levels.

Those attendending Live Plant ID workshops are partially eligible for Tier 2 IPP Certification, along with completing the IPP 101 webinar and its accompanying review quiz.

REGISTER HERE

Everyone welcome! Come and join the conversation in preserving the health and culture of our beautiful lake.