The Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program gives plant enthusiasts an opportunity to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state. The information these volunteers collect is used to assess plant population trends during state and national conservation efforts.
Program participants are trained in surveying techniques, including how to accurately estimate large plant populations, assess habitat condition, and use GPS coordinates to locate and mark rare plant populations. Plant identification training will not be provided, so volunteers should be reasonably familiar with the plants in their monitoring area.
All volunteers are required to attend a 1-day orientation and training session in the spring or early summer. Following the training, volunteers will complete at least one rare plant monitoring survey annually.