Do you want to help slow down the spread of harmful invasive species and reduce their ecological and economic damage? The first step is to locate where invaders have arrived and get that information to those who can do something about it. That’s where citizen scientists come in. Citizen scientists are volunteers who receive expert training to identify and track important invaders in our area.

Invaders of Texas Volunteer Workshops
In cooperation with the Texas Forest Service, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Master Naturalists. If you are interested in hosting an Invaders of Texas Citizen Science workshop in your area, please email Damon Waitt.

How to Participate and Register

Step 1. Download and read "Being an Invaders Volunteer" on the Citizen Scientist Toolkit page.

Step 2. Download and submit a completed Volunteer Interest Form electronically to the local host of one of the scheduled workshops at least two weeks prior to the workshop date.

Step 3. The local Host will notify you by email if your registration is accepted. Class size is limited to 30 participants per workshop and registration is on a first come first served basis. So be sure and register early!

Please note: A $10 may be collected at the workshop to cover refreshments. Ask the coordinator when you register. All other materials will be provided. Class size is limited to 30 participants. If you have a GPS unit and/or digital camera, bring them with you.

Upcoming Workshops

Satellite: Capital Area Invaders
Workshop Date: Saturday June 7, 2008 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Coordinator: Christine Powell
Email: xtinepowell@verizon.net
Workshop Location: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (View map).
What to bring: Bring your own lunch, GPS unit, and digital camera.

Satellite: Houston-Galveston Invaders
Workshop Date: Friday March 7, 2008 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Coordinator: Stephanie Ritter
Email: sritter@harc.edu
Workshop Location: University of Houston Clear Lake (View map). During the afternoon, workshop participants will be given the option to join us at nearby Armand Bayou Nature Center for a picnic lunch and the opportunity to do some field work tracking down invasive plants around the center.
What to bring: $6 to cover lunch and snacks, GPS unit, and digital camera.