Be a VIP: Vermont Invasive Patroller!

Early detection is vital to protecting Vermont’s waterbodies from harmful invasive plants and animals.  Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) monitor a local waterbody for new introductions of invasive species while also learning about native aquatic plants and animals and their habitats.  

What it takes to be a VIP:

Participate in at least one basic VIP training workshop (optional advanced workshops may also be available based on interest)

• Sign a Statement of Commitment promising to document survey results in accordance with standardized procedures and report them to Vermont DEC
• Conduct and submit at least two surveys during the summer for the presence of invasive plants or animals in your lake or pond (or a specific section thereof)
• Submit suspicious samples to DEC staff for positive identification

If you’re interested in becoming a VIP, please email Leslie Matthews: leslie.matthews@state.vt.us or call 802-241-3798

VIP Training Workshops

A basic VIP training workshop takes about 4 hours and consists of:

• a two-hour indoor session consisting of a powerpoint slide presentation and an introduction to native and invasive plant and animal identification
• a two-hour field session on the water, during which participants will learn how to conduct surveys of native and invasive species in their natural habitats

If you would like to host a workshop for a group of volunteers in your area, please email Leslie Matthews:   leslie.matthews@state.vt.us or call 802-241-3798

2008 Workshop Schedule

Several workshops have been scheduled for summer 2008 (see table below).

Workshops with “TBD” dates are being contemplated. A minimum of six registered participants is required for a workshop to be held.

All workshops are from 1-5 pm unless otherwise indicated. Additional information, including location details, will be provided once registration has been processed.

If you are interested in attending one of these workshops,

please click here to fill out an on-line registration form.

If you would like to suggest another potential location please contact Leslie Matthews:  leslie.matthews@state.vt.us or call 802-241-3798

Downloadable Forms for Certified VIPs:

Field data sheet (pdf, 25 KB)

Sample submission form (pdf, 18KB)