Volunteer to search for new aquatic invasive species
Register for Starry Trek by July 28 to join the hunt for starry stonewort
Volunteers from across Minnesota are needed on Saturday, August 5 to participate in a statewide search for starry stonewort, a type of algae that is Minnesota’s newest aquatic invasive species.
There will be more than a dozen rendezvous sites around the state, including Dakota County. Volunteers will meet at the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, at 8:30 a.m. for training before heading to nearby lakes to check for starry stonewort. Volunteers return to the Western Service Center to report their findings. For a full list of the sites and other FAQs, visit www.StarryTrek.org.
No experience or equipment is necessary to participate in Starry Trek. Volunteers will receive a complimentary tote bag and boot brush for participating. Expert training on monitoring protocols and starry stonewort identification will be provided on-site. This event is free, but registration is requested by July 28. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to nine Minnesota lakes. Early detection of this species is critical for control. Learn more about starry stonewort from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center atwww.maisrc.umn.edu.
A portion of the funding for this program is provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Contact Lindsey Albright, water resources specialist with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, at lindsey.albright@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-480-7783 with any questions.
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Kayla Horan | Program Specialist | Dakota County SWCD
4100 220th Street West, Suite 102 | Farmington, MN 55024
651-480-7729 | Kayla.Horan@co.dakota.mn.us
