TIPS: Terrestrial Invasive Species Participatory Science Projects
Project Training Guides
Details are still emerging , but Extension is likely to ask volunteers to report purple loosestrife biocontrol Galerucella beetles in iNaturalist and revisit "old" (pre-2020) purple loosestrife sites and update the EDDMapS record in EDDMapS Pro. Of particular interest are areas greater than 1 acre or 1000 purple loosestrife plants that could be good Galerucella beetle biocontrol release sites. Learn more about about identification and reporting by clicking on this hyperlink.
Photo from bogwalker via iNaturalist
Report creeping bellflower to EDDMapS if you find it in forests, savanas or other natural areas (not if it's escaped yards, gardens or other tended landscapes). Click at the link above to learn about creeping bellflower identification, a native look-alike and resource links to management information.
Photo from breeclausen via iNaturalist
Forest jumping worms (coming in mid-July)
More coming on this project, but the Jumping worm induced soil erosion MITPCC project will focus on jumping worms in southeastern Minnesota forests.
This spring please report all Callery pear trees in your communities to iNaturalist. Any Callery pears in natural areas can be reported in EDDMapS . Learn more about Callery pear identification and reporting by clicking on the hyperlink above.
What is the TIPS program?
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, the economy or human health. You can help monitor and prevent the spread of invasive species in Minnesota through our Terrestrial Invasive Species Participatory Science (TIPS) program.
The TIPS program works with volunteers, family woodland owners, natural resource professionals, and community members on targeted participatory science projects. Together, we advance invasive species research, management and policy in multiple ways:
Invasive species early detection. People who enjoy and work outdoors are often the first to detect invasive species. TIPS leverages outdoor enthusiasts to gather data on invasive species in their area.
Answer complicated invasive species questions. TIPS volunteers can gather data to help researchers see if invasive species are acting in unexpected ways.
Address community needs. TIPS projects respond to growing concerns and help communities better understand and acknowledge the impacts of invasive species. Volunteers taking action through participatory science can help nurture resilient communities that steward resilient ecosystems.
Tell us about yourself. We want to know who our dedicated volunteers are and be able to communicate with you. Please tell us a bit about yourself in this very short Google Form: https://z.umn.edu/TIPSregistration