The final survey numbers are in and any previously undetected invasive plants prior to this record-setting 2020 survey season are NOT happy about it! Here are the summary stats and highlights worth noting. What an amazing group of volunteers! -193 surveys were completed in 2020 which equated to a whopping completion rate of 88%. In other words, not only did our volunteers attend the trainings and learn how to use new mobile apps, but the vast majority followed through to collect data, type up, and submit their results! The previous record for completed surveys in a given year was 133 set in 2019. -Cumulatively, our survey volunteers logged 1,686 survey hours in 2020. This broke the previous volunteer surveyor hours record of 1,250 set in 2019. What dedication!
-Approximately 350 miles of trail were surveyed in 2020. This broke the previous program record of 286 miles set in 2014. To put the 2020 mileage in perspective, this is close to the distance from New York City to the northern border of North Carolina, and this is with stopping and searching for at least 14 different types of plants every 100 hundred feet. What incredibly focused and meticulous volunteers we have! -We also set new program recruitment numbers in 2020. Out of the 175 individual survey volunteers in 2020, 107 of these surveyors were new to the program. It is inspiring to see so many take on the challenge and persevere in spite of all the obstacles that 2020 threw at us! -Thanks again to Adrienne Popko for carrying on the Blockbuster survey effort and surveying in 17 blocks in Dutchess County. These surveys are so important in determining the mode and degree of spread of invasives in our region.
Our heightened digital engagement efforts and presence, combined with an extended community that was eager to get outdoors and give back proved to be powerful forces for focused environmental protection efforts in our natural areas. We feel so proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to drive such positive change!
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