VOL – PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks

Folks, thank you for your past support of the outreach campaign PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks.  We will again be at the Outdoor Adventure Expo hosted by Midwest Mountaineering this next month.  So I’m looking for interested folks with some basic knowledge of invasive species to help staff our booth.  The dates are April 27-29, 2018.  The shifts are all roughly 3 hrs long.  If you are interested in participating, please go to the link below.  It will take you to the event description (also found below) and a menu option to sign-up.

The DNR has a new system to track our volunteers which you will see when you go to the link below.  Once you sign-up, you can sign up for any DNR event or activity for which you are qualified (qualifications vary by event or activity).   When selecting a particular event or event shift, be sure you select and then confirm your selection, or your selection will not be saved.  It’s a two-step process and at the end you will get a pop-up message saying that your selection has been confirmed.  If you don’t get that message, go back and confirm your selection.  Those who signed up last fall should already be approved for this event – our booth space has been confirmed so we’re good to go. 

Spring ’18 Outdoor Adventure Expo  Sign Up

Event Description:

Support the outreach and education campaign “PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks” by staffing the booth at the Outdoor Adventure Expo at Midwest Mountaineering, 309 Cedar Ave. South, Minneapolis, April 27-29, 2018.

Help educate recreationists about invasive species and the simple steps they can take to avoid accidentally spreading terrestrial invasive species. The term “invasive” is reserved for the most aggressive nonnative species capable of harming the environment, economy or human health where they establish.

Volunteer Duties at the Outdoor Adventure Expo:

• Arrive for your assigned shift on time Shifts are 3-4 hours.
• Help set up the booth if you come on Friday.
• Restock any of the materials that have run low (supplies will be under the table)
• Talk to show visitors about the importance of stopping the spread of invasive species and action steps folks can take to help protect our natural resources.
• Pass out boot brushes and handouts as needed.
• Help take down the booth if there at the end of the day on Sunday.

Qualifications Desired:

• Friendly, open and outgoing attitude
• A basic understanding of invasive species prevention and management
• Be familiar with the top 10 least wanted invasive plants in Minnesota including:
  • Buckthorn
  • Canada thistle
  • Spotted knapweed
  • Garlic mustard
  • Knotweed
  • Japanese barberry
  • Common tansy
  • Purple loosestrife
  • Oriental bittersweet
  • Wild parsnip

 Volunteers will receive a free tee-shirt, ball cap and tote bag for helping!

To volunteer, please visit: PlayCleanGo