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: Blackland Prairie Invaders
Workshop Date: Friday October 3, 2008 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Coordinator: Candace Fountoulakis
Email: candicef@plano.gov
Phone: 972-596-3235
Workshop Location: City of Plano Environmental Services Training Room, Plano, Texas.
What to bring: Bring your own lunch, GPS unit, and digital camera.

Satellite: Cross Timbers Invaders
Workshop Date: Saturday October 4, 2008 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Coordinator: Karan Rawlins
Email: karanann457@yahoo.com
Phone: 817-237-1111
Workshop Location: Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, Fort Worth, Texas.
What to bring: Bring your own lunch, GPS unit, and digital camera.

Satellite: Bexar County Invaders
Workshop Date: Saturday November 1, 2008 from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm.
Coordinator: Rachel Cywinski
Email: UrbanGardener@satx.rr.com
Phone: 210-532-4123
Workshop Location: University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), San Antonio, Texas. Directions, room location and lunch information will be sent with notice of application acceptance.
What to bring: Bring your own lunch, GPS unit (if you have one), and digital camera.
NOTE: All persons who are participating because of UIW affiliation or who wish to volunteer primarily at the UIW site should indicate that on their volunteer interest form when they apply. For more information about working on the UIW site, please contact Lacey Halstead, Executive Director of the Headwaters Coalition.
Email: lacey.halstead@amormeus.org
Phone: 210-828-2224