EXT XFO.0063 - AIS Detectors Core Course
Description
The AIS Detectors Core Course is an introduction to aquatic invasive species (AIS) science, identification, and surveillance. You will learn how to identify and report invasive species, best practices for preventing the spread of AIS, relevant rules and regulations, and how to search for AIS on your own.
This course consists of two portions: a self-paced online course and a live workshop with the instructors. The self-paced online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete, followed by either a one day in-person workshop or two 3-hour virtual workshops via Zoom. The self-paced online course will open on April 8, 2026. You will select which workshop(s) you will be attending during registration. The workshop options are:
- Plymouth - May 8; 9 a.m, - 5 p.m.
- Cass County - June 5; 9am-5pm
- Virtual Professional and Community Member- May 20; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., May 21; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The self-paced online content must be completed prior to the start of the live workshops. You must complete both the online content and workshop session in order to receive credit for the course and become a Certified AIS Detector.
Your registration fee includes two years of access to the self-paced course, access to the live workshop(s) of your choosing, a copy of our AIS identification field guide, and networking opportunities with other AIS Detectors and experts. Lunch is provided for in-person workshops.
Registration for the Plymouth option is available at no cost to you this year thanks to a sponsorship from Hennepin County Environment and Energy.Registration for the Cass County option is available at no cost to you this year thanks to a sponsorship from Cass County and the Association of Cass County Lakes.
If the registration fee for the other workshops presents a barrier to your ability to participate in the Community Member track of the AIS Detectors Core Course, please visit our scholarship page to learn more about scholarship opportunities (https://maisrc.umn.edu/detectors-scholarships).
The University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges we have an obligation to Tribal nations and their citizens to reduce barriers to participate in our programs and access our services. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with Tribal nations and their citizens and continue to take meaningful actions towards meeting our responsibility. Therefore, we are waiving the fees associated with Aquatic Invasive Species Core Course for Tribal Members.
To learn more about the program, review FAQs, and find scholarship opportunities visit www.aisdetectors.org.
To register for the course
- Click a green "Available" button on the right side of your screen to expand the section details.
- Verify that you are viewing the section with the workshop dates you are interested in.
- Verify that you are viewing the learning track that you are interested in as there are some differences in course content. (Select Community Member if you are planning to volunteer as AIS Detectors and/or who are not conducting AIS activities professionally. Select Professional if you wish to increase their knowledge base for work-related activities. Professional track not available for Wayzata)
- Click the "Add to Cart" button to register for that combination of track and live workshop dates.
Course Contact
Megan Weber, 763-767-3874, mmweber@umn.edu
Dan Larkin, djlarkin@umn.edu
Michelle Isaacson, isaac162@umn.edu
Registration questions
Extension Registration, ext-reg@umn.edu
If you experience difficulties logging in
Contact the University of Minnesota IT Help Line at 612-301-4357. Please mention you are using a guest account to register for a non-credit Canvas course.