In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted community volunteer programs nationwide, including the University of Minnesota Extension’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Detector Volunteer Program. The initiative trains residents to monitor local waters, collect data, and educate communities on preventing the spread of AIS. When volunteer hours from these trained “Detectors” failed to bounce back to pre-2020 levels, program leaders launched an assessment to try and address this. Conducted by the Water Resources Center (WRC) in 2025, the research aimed to uncover what motivates these volunteers, the barriers preventing ongoing engagement, and how to better support them.
Researchers surveyed all 424 trained AIS Detector volunteers across Minnesota using an online questionnaire. Ultimately, 185 volunteers completed the survey—yielding an impressive 46% response rate.
The demographic data revealed a dedicated and highly educated volunteer pool:
- Demographics: Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents were 65 or older, and 72% were retired.
- Education: 90% completed at least an associate or vocational degree, with over 40% holding graduate degrees.
- Participation: Roughly half classified themselves as active volunteers, 23% were temporarily inactive, and 28% were no longer active. Most volunteer seasonally and on an occasional basis rather than on a set schedule or year-round.
Key Findings: Motivations, Impact, and Opportunities
1. High Satisfaction and Strong Motivations
Over 85% of respondents expressed overall satisfaction with the program. The program successfully fills the primary motivations for those participating: learning more about AIS, environmental protection, and specifically, a drive to protect their local lake. Three quarters said their work has had a positive impact on the environment. And over 90% agreed they gained significant AIS knowledge and identification skills.
2. Programmatic Barriers
When identifying programmatic constraints to volunteering, distance to advanced training locations and distance to volunteer sites posed the biggest hurdles. These volunteers want to put their knowledge and skill to work – and desire more localized opportunities throughout the state to do so.
3. Desires for Research and Connection, and Lake Association Support
While volunteers value seeing their efforts address environmental problems, only 62% felt their collected data was being used to its full potential. Respondents voiced a strong desire to contribute to AIS management efforts, participate in actionable local research, and receive feedback on the impacts of their efforts in the program.
4. Lake Association Support
Additionally, because nearly half of volunteers first learned about the program through their local lake association, respondents desired more training tailored toward working with lake associations and navigating local regulations.
Looking Ahead
The findings demonstrate that Minnesota's AIS Detectors are deeply committed stewards eager to protect local ecosystems. By expanding training locations and volunteer opportunities, building stronger links to local research and management initiatives, and supporting lake association engagement, the AIS Detector program can keep its passionate volunteer base energized for years to come.