Aquatic Invasive Species Threaten Minnesota's Waters

Guest: University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Center Extension Educator Megan Weber

One of Minnesota’s most valued resources are our lakes, rivers and streams. But those waters are increasingly threatened by aquatic invasive species…living things that are not native to our state. Aquatic invasive species include fishes, plants, invertebrates and microbes that can harm our health, environment and economy. The University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center has identified roughly three dozen such species. This week, a look at a program offered through the Center that trains citizen scientists to monitor aquatic invasive species. We’ll learn how these volunteers are providing researchers with the necessary data to help prevent the spread of these harmful animals and plants. We chatted with Megan Weber, an extension educator at the Center.