Invasive Species Scout Project

Be a part of our statewide initiative as a UC Master Gardener volunteer to protect California’s ecosystems. Help us in the early detection and management of invasive pests, including plants and insects, to preserve biodiversity, support agriculture, and engage in citizen science.

Why Scout? 

Invasive pests are a significant threat to California's natural and agricultural environments. As a UC Master Gardener volunteer, your efforts in scouting for these pests are critical for early detection, which is key in preventing their spread and safeguarding our state's ecological health.

Scouting in Action

UC Master Gardener volunteers are on the lookout for:

• Insect Pests: Eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults on host plants, along with signs of pest activity.
• Invasive Plants: Identification through seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, and assessing plant sizes and populations.

Findings are reported via an online tool, contributing to a statewide invasive pest map utilized by researchers and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Collaboration with CDFA

Upon receiving reports, the CDFA validates and responds swiftly to manage threats. This collaboration ensures that the UC Master Gardener volunteers' scouting efforts significantly bolster the state's capacity to monitor and respond to invasive species threats effectively.

 

 

Volunteer and Continuing Education Hours

Volunteers reporting 12 hours of scouting in a year through the 'Invasive Species Scout Project' in VMS will receive a special recognition pin. This is a way to acknowledge the valuable time and effort contributed to this critical initiative.

 

 

How-to-Enter Invasive Species Scout Project Volunteer Hours in VMS

To receive credit for participation in the Invasive Species Scout Project the hours must be entered correctly in VMS.  A specific project category titled “Invasive Species Scout Project” must be applied to volunteer hours associated with scouting.

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to enter those hours in VMS. To enter volunteer hours for the Invasive Species Scout Project:

Option 1: 

• Log into VMS
• Find Your Hours on the right information panel
  • select the green +Add Hours button

Option 2:

• Log into VMS
• Select Hours from the left navigation bar
  • select the green +Add New Hours button

Entry:

• Select the project “Invasive Species Scout Project” by using the dropdown
  • Is this a Calendared Event?
    • No
  • Manually enter the following
    • Event Name: Name of Pest/Plant + Scouting
      • e.g. Spotted Lanternfly Scouting, Scouting
    • Event Date - the day you scouted
  • Enter applicable information:
    • Volunteer Hours
    • Miles Driven, to and from the event (miles driven is optional and for your personal use)
  • Do you have any Contact information to report?
    • No
  • Enter any Comments / Notes
• Select the blue Save Hours button

Note: VMS rounds up or down to the nearest quarter hour (i.e. 1.8 hours = 1.75 hours)

• VMS User's Guide
• How-To-Enter Continuing Education and Volunteer Hours Video

Screenshot of VMS Invasive Species Scout Project Entry