Volunteers are needed on Saturday, Aug. 15 to search for starry stonewort, a type of algae that is Minnesota's newest aquatic invasive species.

More than two dozen sites around the state will be checked for starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species, including in Dakota County. Volunteers in Dakota County will meet in Eagan outside the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, at 8:30 a.m. for training before heading to nearby lakes to look for starry stonewort. Volunteers will return to Lebanon Hills Visitor Center to report their findings.

No experience or equipment is necessary to participate, and expert training is provided. The event is free, but registration is requested by Aug. 6. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Many changes have been made to help limit the spread of COVID-19. All activities will take place outdoors. Participants must maintain at least 6 feet from individuals who are not in the same household. There is no carpooling with individuals from different households. Volunteers are not required to wear a mask, but the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center will provide masks and hand sanitizer. If you choose to share equipment, such as rakes, make sure to use hand sanitizer between uses. Volunteers must bring their own water and snacks. Do not volunteer if you are experiencing any COVID19 symptoms.

Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to 14 Minnesota lakes. Early detection of this species is critical for control. Learn more about starry stonewort from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at www.maisrc.umn.edu.

This program is supported by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

For volunteer registration and a list of sites, visit www.starrytrek.org. For more information, call Lindsey Albright at [email protected] co.dakota.mn.us or 651-480-7783.