Maine waters are being invaded!  As with a serious illness, early detection is key; the earlier the introduced invader, such as Eurasian water-milfoil or zebra mussels, is detected, the greater the chances for finding an effective treatment and reducing the risk of spread.  With over 6,000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of suitable stream habitat to be monitored for the presence of aquatic invaders on an ongoing basis, the challenge here in Maine is enormous. Free training, coming soon to Lincoln County, will provide you with everything you need to get started.

This summer, a workshop is being offered in our region, by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Midcoast Conservancy will host an Invasive Plant Patrol Plant Paddle on Friday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, leaving from Damariscotta Lake State Park at 8 State Road, Jefferson. The paddle will be led by Roberta Hill, from Maine VLMP.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please contact the Maine VLMP at vlmp@mainevlmp.org or (207) 783-7733 to register.  For online registration and workshop schedule updates, please visit www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/workshops

The IPP Plant Paddle is a three-hour, guided exploration on shore and on the water. This is a fun, informal way to introduce community members to the threat of invasive aquatic plants and the importance of early detection. Participants will learn how to use their new free Quick Key to help spot suspected invaders, become familiar with some common native plants, and practice the skills needed to be an effective early detector. Participants should bring their own kayak or canoe, lunch, and be prepared to be on the water.

Invasive Plant Patrol workshops are provided, free of charge to participants, by the Maine VLMP. The workshops are funded in large part by a grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection with funds generated by the Maine Lake and River Protection Sticker Program.  Additional support for the workshops comes from foundation grants, private donations, and the generosity of local sponsors. 

Anyone interested in learning about aquatic invaders is welcome to participate in the workshop. Those who wish to become active members of Maine's early detection team and to make a formal commitment to the statewide endeavor, are encouraged to become Certified IPP Lake Monitors.

The Maine VLMP is the oldest, and one of the largest, citizen-based lake monitoring programs in the nation.   Through its nationally recognized Invasive Plant Patrol program, the VLMP has now trained roughly 4,000 Plant Patrollers across Maine.  

For more information regarding Invasive Plant Patrol Workshops, the threat of aquatic invaders in Maine, or the Maine VLMP, please contact: Roberta Hill, Invasive Species Program Director, Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, ME 04210, 207-783-7733, roberta@mainevlmp.org, www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org