Thank you to all who helped make the 2025 MiCorps Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Detection Blitz a success!
Snapshot of Results:

• 110 verified AIS observations
• 18 invasive species documented
  • Most frequently reported species:
    • Eurasian watermilfoil (33 reports)
    • Phragmites/common reed (14)
    • Invasive cattail (13)
    • Curly-leaf pondweed (11)
    • Zebra mussel (10)

See the 2-page Summary Report!

Did you participate in the Blitz? We’d love to hear your feedback. Please complete our brief participant survey.

Project Background

The MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz is a statewide community science event aimed at identifying and documenting aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, or anything else you suspect might be invasive in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Organized by the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), this Blitz welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a first-time observer. During the Blitz dates, we invite you to simply snap photos of potential invasive species and upload them to the MiCorps project on the free iNaturalist app. By working together in this coordinated effort, we can track the spread of AIS, strengthen early detection strategies, and inform better management decisions. Whether you’re on the water for the July 4th holiday or just enjoying a local spot, every observation counts!

We hosted a webinar, “Getting Started with the MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz”, on June 4, 2025, for interested participants and partners. Here are the slides from that webinar.  

Why This Matters

• Invasive Species Threaten Local Waters

They can outcompete native species, reduce biodiversity, and impact the overall health of lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

• Early Detection is Crucial

The sooner new invasions are identified, the easier it is to prevent them from spreading and causing long-term damage.

• A Statewide Effort

By documenting possible AIS during this event, we build a clearer understanding of where aquatic invasives are emerging or expanding across the state.

MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz Instructional Video:

Taking Good, Usable Photos

• Photo Submission Guide for Aquatic Plant Identification
  • Tips for clear angles and multiple shots
  • How to avoid blurry or distant images

Need Help?

• MiCorps Contact Info
• FAQ on iNaturalist Observations

Help Spread the Word or Host Your Own Local Event!

We welcome organizations across Michigan to promote future MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz events or host local collection events under this statewide project. Your involvement helps ensure more eyes are on our waters, strengthening our ability to map aquatic invasive species. Below are details on how groups were able to partner with us in 2025, along with supporting materials. 

Promote the Blitz:

• Use our ready-made social media graphics and outreach materials to inform your community about this important statewide effort.

Host a Local Event:

• Want to organize a local collection event during the Blitz timeframe? Great! When your participants join the project on iNaturalist, your event will become part of the statewide MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz – no need to create a separate project.

👉 Download what you need for your event or promo from the AIS Blitz Partner Kit (below) for promotional graphics and sample language to support your event and communications.

Download full AIS Blitz Partner Kit (ZIP) (includes social media graphics, newsletter templates, posters, and PowerPoint slides)

OR individual items if separate files are preferred:

• Social Media Graphics & Captions (ZIP)
• Newsletters: for Individual Participants (PDF) or Partner Organizations (PDF)
• Promo Poster (add your own logo)(PNG)
• Promo Poster (add your own logo)(PDF)
• PowerPoint Slide (PPTX)

Your participation expands the impact!

• Do I have to be an expert?

Not at all. Anyone can share observations – the iNaturalist community, other BioBlitz participants, and AIS experts will do the ID work.

• What if I find something non-invasive?

That’s still useful data, and it helps build a better understanding of our aquatic ecosystems, but only add photos of species that you suspect might be invasive. If you aren’t sure, upload it!

• Can I participate if I’m not near a lake?

Yes! Streams, ponds, and wetlands count too. Any freshwater habitat in Michigan is fair game.

• Do I need special equipment?

A smartphone or camera is enough. Just be mindful of safety if you’re in or near water.

• Do I need cell service at the site?

No. You can take photos in the iNaturalist app (or with your camera) while offline and upload them later when you have a signal or Wi‑Fi – just be sure to add the location to your observation manually during the upload process.

Other Statewide Information Hubs

• Michigan Invasive Species Program (DNR / EGLE / MDARD)
  • Species profiles, early‑detection guidance, and best‑management practices.

• Clean – Remove plants, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, waders, and gear before leaving any launch.
• Drain – Empty bilges, live wells, bait buckets, and any other water‑holding compartments on site.
• Dry – Let gear and watercraft dry for at least five days (or wipe with a towel) before visiting another lake or stream.

More tips and printable checklists at Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Heads‑Up: The Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz runs around the same time as our MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz – double the reason to clean, drain, and dry every trip! Learn more at https://www.glc.org/work/blitz

Join the MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz on iNaturalist!