KEENE VALLEY — The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, or APIPP, is hosting a two-part virtual training session next week for anyone interested in becoming part of its Lake Protector Network.

Aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels, can clog lakes, outcompete native wildlife, and harm ecosystems. Identifying these species early, before populations grow out of control, is essential for protecting the lakes we love from the negative impacts of invasive species. Citizen scientists have surveyed over 400 lakes throughout the Adirondacks for invasives species in order to support critical early detection efforts. Lake Protector volunteers will learn how to identify, survey and record data about aquatic invasive plants.

Once trained, volunteers can adopt an Adirondack lake or other waterbody to survey between July and September. APIPP provides all the training and resources you need to be part of this network.

A two-part training session will be held on June 30. The training will give volunteers the skills and resources they need to get involved in important Adirondack conservation while having fun out on the water this summer.

Live participation in these two trainings is not necessary to participate in APIPP’s Lake Protector program. Each session will be recorded, and you can watch them at your leisure before signing up to adopt a lake. However, organizers encourage everyone to RSVP to the June 30 event even if they will not attend on that date to receive information about when webinar recordings are available and to be connected with APIPP’s volunteer coordinators.

The first webinar on aquatic invasive species indentification starts at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30. That webinar ends at 10 a.m., and the second part, on citizen science survey methods, starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until noon.

Visit https://adkinvasives.com/Events/Detail/89 to register for the first webinar. Visit https://adkinvasives.com/Events/Detail/90 to register for the second.

The state legislature recently passed a law that makes the New York State Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Act permanent and allows pilot programs in the Adirondacks to further efforts to prevent invasive species.

Boaters can do their part by always cleaning, draining and drying your boat, fishing gear and sports equipment when moving from one waterbody to another.