In 2014 & 2015, ALMS ran an aquatic plant monitoring program that involved collecting aquatic plant specimens across Alberta with the help of citizen science volunteers. Numerous native species were collected and archived, along with one invasive species (Flowering Rush).
The purpose of this guide is to use the specimens collected from the program in order to highlight the often overlooked biodiversity which exists in Alberta's aquatic plant community, and to assist individuals in distinguishing between invasive species and their similar-looking native counterparts.
If you'd like a downloadable PDF of the book, click here.
To get information about ordering a hard copy of this book (laminated and coil bound), email [email protected]or call 780-702-ALMS (2567).
2015 LakeWatch Data Summary
LakeWatch reports from last season are coming together! Individual lake reports will be published later this spring, but in the mean time we've compiled a summary of all of the data collected.
Lakewatch Volunteer of the Year (2015) recipient Ron Young with LakeWatch technician Ageleky Bouzetos
Some highlights:
149 of 155 scheduled trips were completed, resulting in a completion rate of 96%
We worked with nearly 100 unique volunteers for a total of 380 volunteer hours spent sampling lakes! Thanks again to all our dedicated volunteers
Average Secchi depth ranged from 0.58 m to 5.05 m
Average total phosphorus concentrations ranged from 12 ug/L to 204 ug/L
Average chlorophyll-a concentrations ranged from 2.9 ug/L to 73.9 ug/L
Are you a student who is conducting research that aids the management of lakes and their watersheds? Apply for our scholarship! Full time senior undergraduate or graduate students are eligible to be awarded a single scholarship of $2000 Canadian for a one-year period.
To learn more visit alms.ca/scholarship or click here to view a PDF of the scholarship application guidelines.
Applications must be submitted by May 30.
If you'd like to advertise this posting, feel free to download our
scholarship poster.
2015 Scholarship Recipient Michelle Gordy
Did You Know? Goldfish are Invasive Species!
A recent article in the Edmonton Metro newspaper highlighted the issue of invasive goldfish living in many waterbodies around the province. They've even been found as far north as Fort McMurray!
Goldfish that get released into the wild from home aquariums can withstand virtually any weather conditions, multiply quickly, eat native plants and plankton, and are becoming harder and harder to control.
Please note that it is illegal to release live fish into Alberta's lakes or rivers. Fines can be up to $100,000. If you see goldfish in the wild, call the invasive species hotline:
Goldfish found in a storm water pond in St. Albert
NALMS 2016 Abstracts are due
The 36th annual NALMS symposium is being held at the Banff Springs Hotel from November 1-4.
Do you or someone you know have a talk you'd like to present? Click
here for more information on registering and submitting abstracts.
Abstracts are due by May 6.
If you're interested in sponsoring the event, please follow the link
here.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 780-415-9785
LakeWatch begins soon!
Thanks to everyone who applied for our two summer LakeWatch Technician positions. We're looking forward to welcoming our techs at the beginning of May and having a great summer sampling Alberta lakes!
Thanks to everyone who applied for our two summer LakeWatch Technician positions. We're looking forward to welcoming our techs at the beginning of May and having a great summer sampling Alberta lakes!
