Starry Trek 2018

Join us for a day searching for one of Minnesota's newest aquatic invasive species, starry stonewort (and other AIS). Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to 11 Minnesota lakes. Now we are asking for your help in searching other lakes to better understand its distribution in Minnesota. You can learn more about starry stonewort here.  

You will be teaming up with volunteers across the state as well as volunteers in Wisconsin participating in a sister event (AIS Snapshot Day) to help in the early detection of aquatic invasive species. During last year's inaugural event, volunteers participating in Starry Trek discovered a new population of starry stonewort in Grand Lake (Stearns County). As a result of this discovery the local lake association and MN DNR teamed up in a rapid response plan to remove the small patch of starry stonewort. 

Rendezvous sites are located across the state and will be hosted by local agencies and organizations to search nearby locations (see map below for participating locations). Participants will meet at the local rendezvous site in the morning and will be assigned sites to search upon arrival. All participants will need to return to the rendezvous site to check-in and turn in an specimens and datasheets at the end of the day. Training will occur on-site when you arrive. No experience necessary! Participants under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Youth clubs (scouts, 4-H, etc.) can contact Megan Weber mmweber@umn.edu to learn how to participate as a club.

Click the "Register" button to view the list of rendezvous sites and to register to participate at a location near you! You will receive an e-mail with additional details about your location, including your local host's contact information. Volunteers will receive a complimentary tote bag and boot brush for participating in this free event (must register by August 10th for guarenteed availability).

In the event of inclement weather, local sites will move the event to August 19th (following the same schedule). You will be notified via e-mail if your rendezvous site is impacted by inclement weather.

Click the map  to view an interactive map of Starry Trek rendezvous locations and find a site near you!

Thank you to our local host organizations!

• AIS Detectors Volunteers
• Becker SWCD
• Beltrami County ESD
• Big Stone 4-H AIS Team
• Big Stone County
• Carver County 
• Chisago County
• Coon Creek Watershed District
• Cross Lake Association of Pine County
• Crow River Organization of Water
• Dakota County 
• Douglas County Land and Resource Management
• Fortin Consulting
• Hubbard County COLA
• Itasca County SWCD AIS Program
• Kandiyohi County
• Lake County SWCD
• Lake Minnetonka Association
• Lake of the Woods SWCD
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
• Morrison County Land Services
• Pleasant Lake Homeowners Association
• Ramsey Conservation District
• Sherburne SWCD
• St Croix River Associaiton
• Stearns County COLA
• Todd SWCD
• Winona County SWCD
• Wright SWCD

Statewide coordination for Starry Trek is by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota Extension, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

FAQs

Is there a deadline for registration?

If you register by August 10th, we can ensure we have enough complimentary volunteer totes and refreshments. Late registrations are welcome, but your tote is not guaranteed.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian. Youth organizations (scouts, 4-H, etc) that wish to participate as a group may do so with advance notice. Please contact Megan Weber (mmweber@umn.edu) for more information.

What can I bring into the event?

Please come prepared for a morning outdoors. Check the weather before your arrival, bring water bottles, snacks, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hats, etc. We will provide the equipment necessary to do the monitoring.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact Megan Weber at mmweber@umn.edu. Upon registration you will be provided with contact information for the host coordinator for the site you register for.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Yes.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes.