What are Invasive Species Spotters?
Become an Invasive Species Spotter and get trained to identify and report high-priority emerging invasive species and make a positive impact within our region.
Together, we will learn about some of the highest-priority invasive plants in LIISMA and how to track and report them with iMapInvasives! With your help, LIISMA will be able to respond to the threat of invasive species quickly and get to work removing them. Invasive Species Spotters will be trained to work independently to look for invasive plants on Long Island and report back to LIISMA on their findings.
Who Can Get Involved?
- All are welcome! This program is perfect for community members at all skill levels, as we will teach you everything you need to know to get started.
- Existing volunteers groups can get involved, too! If volunteers are cross-trained with LIISMA, they can incorporate invasive species surveying into all kinds of conservation work.
- This program is also a professional development opportunity for LIISMA Partners to learn about uncommon (tier 2 and 3) invasive species and develop skills in iMapInvasives.
What Do Invasive Species Spotters Do?
Why Volunteer with Us?
- Protect our ecosystems and native biodiversity from invasive species!
- Have fun outside while learning about nature
- Connect with professionals and communtiy members
- Build your resume, gain community service hours, and win prizes!
Thanks for becoming an Invasive Species Spotter!
Follow these steps to complete your training as a volunteer and get ready for the field:
1. Sign up for the LIISMA Volunteer E-Bulletin
Enter your name and email on the right to subscribe for periodic updates on Invasive Species Spotters, including events, trainings, resources, and more.
2. Watch the kickoff training webinar recording
3. Register for our next training webinar
Our next training will be on July 9 at 6pm over Zoom. Register here.
4. Explore Spotters Resources
Check out the resource tab to learn about the species, view the map of where they’ve been found, and review survey guidelines.
Resources for SPotters
1. Invasive Species Spotters Kickoff Training Webinar Recording from 5/7/25
2. Priority Species Fact Sheet (below)
3. Survey 123 Guide (Coming Soon)
4. Priority Species Presence Map (below)
5. Priority Species Info Pages (below)
6. The Invasive Species Tier List
7. Article on Invasive Species Tiers
7. iNaturalist – app or website for species ID assistance
Printable Guides
Check out these printable guides to assist with surveys in the field. Print double-sided and consider laminating for a handy waterproof guide. Left: Invasive Species 2025 Priority Invasive Species – use this for quick ID tips for our 10 priority species. Right: (coming soon) Survey 123 guide: detailed tips on how to set up Survey123 and which fields to fill out in the field.
Priority Species Presence Map
Explore this map to see where the 10 priority species have been found within LIISMA. Points represent the location and the circles around them represent a buffer area around them to show possible areas of spread. Volunteers are welcome to use this map as a starting point for where to survey and consider surveying at other parks. Just be sure to survey only on public property and follow park rules and regulations.
Priority Species Info Pages
Check out these info pages for our 10 priority species! On each info page, you will find information about the history of the invasive, ID characteristics, habitat info, and more.
