Have you been interested in learning more about our Invasives Strike Force (ISF) Survey Program but haven't been able to find the time to make it to one of our full-day training workshops in the past? This is the year to do it! We are now offering the opportunity to get fully trained to become an ISF surveyor through a series of 2-hr. webinars from the comforts of your own home. The first training session for beginner surveyors (i.e., ISF Standard Survey) will take place on Saturday, May 9 and run from 9 - 11 a.m. with another opportunity available on Saturday, May 30 in case you can't make the May 9 date. This initial webinar will focus on the basics of invasive species ecology and general plant ID techniques as well as provide an introduction to identifying the 14 common invasive species on the ISF Standard Survey list. Once we are able to safely open up the field survey season, there will be a second webinar, or follow-up 2-hr. workshop, that will focus on field protocols and how to use the mobile apps necessary to complete the field work. Already taken the ISF Standard workshop or want to learn about even more invasive plants? Then take our ISF Intermediate webinar scheduled for Sunday, May 17 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. In this webinar, you will get a brief refresher on general plant ID techniques and learn how to identify an additional 11 less common invasive species found in the lower Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey.
We've had lots of interest and sign-ups already! The workshops currently slated for June, July, and August are still tentatively planned as in-person events, but may ultimately be switched to webinars once we know more. Please join us by visiting the events site below and looking for the date that works best for you!
For returning, experienced surveyors: We will be in touch with assignments and instructions as soon as we receive word that we can safely return to field surveying. In the meantime, feel free to take one of these workshops as a refresher!
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