Week 4 Challenges
This week, to encourage you all to spend a little bit more time outdoors, we have an extra challenge for you (in addition to the weekly aquatic and terrestrial challenges). As some of you know, non-native species can be quite damaging to ecosystems, recreation, waterways, and our life in general. Species like zebra and quagga mussels, purple loosestrife, mud snails, and many others have traveled long distances to the Great Lakes region, and are now outcompeting native species. Spotting them, and safely removing them if you know how, is a key step that everyone can take to help out. Here is a link (https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/features/panels/HiawathaNFAISGreatLakesRegion.pdf) for a quick guide with pictures of aquatic invasive species and a quick memo on how to stop the spread. For a more comprehensive list of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, this link (https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/greatlakes/invasive-species-great-lakes_.html) will direct you to the EPA. We encourage you all to be on the lookout for non-native species and upload your observations so we can better give back to our planet!
Aquatic Challenge:
Let’s get moving! Post a photo of a species in “running” water (stream, river, gutter, storm drain, runoff).
Terrestrial Challenge:
Thank you for your service! Post a photo of a species that provides us with a necessary service, such as pollination, seed dispersal, food, or even carbon sequestration!
Bonus Challenge:
Help monitor the spread! Post a photo of a non-native species in the Great Lakes region. If you know how to (safely and thoroughly) remove it, we encourage you to do so!