Since 2017, Minnesota’s Starry Trek Program has demonstrated how coordinated volunteer engagement can significantly expand early detection capacity for aquatic invasive species. Originally launched as a statewide effort to search for starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa), an invasive freshwater green alga that can form dense mats and disrupt lake ecosystems, Starry Trek has grown into a successful model for large scale, volunteer powered surveillance. Each year, hundreds of trained participants survey public water accesses across the state, contributing to the discovery of new infestations of starry stonewort and other priority aquatic invasive species. In this webinar, we will explore how Starry Trek was built, how it has evolved over time, and what lessons have emerged from organizing a recurring, statewide volunteer detection event. Participants will gain insight into the partnerships, coordination strategies, and program design considerations that have allowed Starry Trek to scale while maintaining scientific credibility and management impact.

Megan Weber, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center/University of Minnesota Extension

Megan Weber is an Extension Professor at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and University of Minnesota Extension. Megan’s work focuses on the development and delivery of AIS education, volunteer, and citizen science programs that work towards solutions to aquatic invasive species problems. A native Minnesotan, Megan studied marine biology in California and received her B.S. from University of California Santa Cruz and her M.S. in environmental studies from San Jose State University.