Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

What can I do to help wetlands?
  1. Join a team
  2. Attend training
  3. Visit your assigned wetlands to conduct sampling according to schedule set by team leader
  4. Collect and submit data with the help of your team members and team leader

Learn more by watching this External link opens in new tab or windowvideo of a WHEP team.

The average team:
  • Usually consists of 6-12 adult volunteers, each volunteer dedicates 10-30 hours in June and July. Minors may volunteer when accompanied by their parent or guardian.
  • As a group, collects macroinvertebrate samples (to identify later) and identifies plants. The team leader provides direction and schedules the sampling events.
  • Samples during evening hours on select weekdays and during the day on select weekends.
  • Monitors two to four wetlands on your community team and one wetland in a neighboring community as a cross check for quality control.

Teams:
  • Apple Valley
  • Burnsville
  • Dakota County Parks Team 1
  • Dakota County Parks Team 2
  • Eagan
  • Farmington
  • Hastings
  • Lakeville
  • Mendota Heights
  • North Cannon River Watershed Management Organization
  • Rosemount
  • South St. Paul
  • West St. Paul

Register to volunteer:
Register to volunteer for the WHEP season (and to attend training) on the External link opens in new tab or windowDakota County volunteer website (See Environmental Resouces section) or go straight to the External link opens in new tab or windowWHEP volunteer page beginning in April through mid-May.
 
Questions:
Program - External link opens in new tab or windowPaula Liepold, 952-891-7117
Volunteer Registration - External link opens in new tab or windowGarrett Zaffke, 651-438-4635