Finger Lakes PRISM Trail Survey Training

As part of our Trail Survey, participants are asked to hike local trails and record what invasive species they see with a mobile app. By taking part in our Trail Survey, you not only help the environment by helping us track invasive species, but you give yourself a chance to learn new skills! Trail Survey Goals: -Find where invasive plants are growing along our trails by surveying with your smartphone -Use the collected data to prioritize invasive species removal What would I be doing? Volunteers will be hiking trails of their choice five times during the months of August, September, and October. While hiking, you will note the invasive species you find using an app on your phone called ArcGIS Survey 123. This year, we are asking volunteers to look for twelve different invasive species in the Finger Lakes region. For your ease, we have provided a virtual training video, training slides, and species fact sheets below to get you started! Review these materials to be ready to go out on the trail; it's quick and easy! We are also offering certificates to our volunteers to thank you for your time this season. More information is provided below: -Trail Tracker Certificate: Earn our Trail Tracker Certificate when you complete three surveys this season! -Trail Master Certificate: Earn our Trail Master Certificate when you complete five surveys this season! How to Join: -Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA... -Watch our training video and review the provided materials (visit fingerlakesinvasives.org) -Download ArcGIS Survey 123 and download our survey onto your device -Hit the trail! Benefits to joining the Trail Survey: -Help the environment by stopping our worst invasive species! -Learn new skills! Learn how to identify invasive species and use reporting tools on your phone -Be more active! By getting outside and hiking on trails, you can exercise without having to go to the gym -Get outdoors! Research shows that we spend 93% of our time indoors, and that being outside and interacting with nature can significantly help lower stress 2025 Training Materials: -Trail Survey Training Video: THIS VIDEO -Finger Lakes PRISM Trail Survey Training Slides on our website (fingerlakesinvasives.org) -Trail Survey Fact Sheets 2025 on our website (fingerlakesinvasives.org) For more information reach out to Laurel Williams, Invasive Species Education and Outreach Program Manager, at [email protected].