The Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) seeks volunteers for the wetland monitoring program. WHEP is looking for people who are eager to pull on a pair of waders and jump into monitoring community wetlands.
Volunteers will work with a community-based team to monitor and collect information — such as data on plants and macroinvertebrates — that is used to study trends in order to better manage wetlands and surrounding natural resource areas.
WHEP volunteers will receive training in field methods, macroinvertebrate ( e.g. beetles, bugs, snails) collection and identification, and plant survey techniques and identification. Teams will visit three to five wetlands between June and August. Wetland monitoring teams are forming in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Dakota County Parks, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul and West St. Paul.
Many wetlands that will be monitored are in the Vermillion River Watershed.
Volunteers typically commit 10–20 hours of their time, which includes training, fieldwork and lab analysis. WHEP provides all of the training, equipment and leadership. Previous monitoring experience or science background is not necessary to take part.
Become a Volunteer with WHEP
To learn more information, visit the MN WHEP website or call the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department at 952-891-7000.
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