The success of the Invasive Species Ambassador program is a collective effort. With diverse collaborative partners nationwide, the training benefits from shared expertise, resources, and perspectives, making it more robust and impactful. The participating organizations contribute to the development of a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum benefitting both ambassadors and invasive species management efforts.
The Alabama State Parks Division manages 21 parks spanning 48,000 acres of diverse landscapes, from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian Mountains. Offering a range of recreational opportunities, the parks feature amenities such as campsites, cabins, hiking trails, water sports, golf courses, and resort facilities for group events. Dedicated to preserving Alabama’s natural beauty, the Division’s mission is to acquire and maintain natural areas, provide educational opportunities, and deliver high-quality, self-sustaining services for visitors. With a rich history of over 75 years, Alabama State Parks continue to support outdoor recreation, conservation, and public engagement, ensuring their legacy for future generations.
The Staff Team is excited to bring the Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training to Lake Guntersville State Park in February 2025. Nestled along the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama, Lake Guntersville State Park offers a blend of resort-style amenities and outdoor adventures across 6,000 acres of pristine woodlands. Visitors can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, nature center, fishing in Alabama’s largest lake, 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, and guided hikes.
The park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring annual Eagle Awareness programs highlighting the resurgence of Alabama’s bald eagle population. Its diverse accommodations include a modern campground, lakeside cabins, ridge-top chalets, and a stunning resort lodge atop Taylor Mountain, perfect for overnight or extended stays.
Lake Guntersville State Park is also ideal for meetings and events, offering a resort inn, restaurant, and convention center with facilities for both large gatherings and smaller breakout sessions. Nearby attractions include downtown Guntersville, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Cathedral Caverns State Park, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.
Alabama Water Watch (AWW) is a statewide citizen volunteer, water quality monitoring program. Since 1992, AWW has been educating citizens of all backgrounds about the water environment, water pollution, and teaching them to conduct water chemistry analysis, bacteriological monitoring, and stream biomonitoring. AWW has certified over 9,000 water monitors who have submitted more than 115,000 water data records from 2,600 sites on nearly 1,000 waterbodies. AWW follows EPA-approved quality assurance plans for water chemistry and bacteriological monitoring. AWW has online Water Data Tools that empower citizens to use their data to improve and protect watershed health. For the past five years, AWW has been working with the USDA Forest Service on the project “Developing a Citizen Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program in Alabama’s National Forests”. Volunteer monitors have collected nearly 600 water data records on NFALs that are contributing to the overall project goal, which is to “establish a baseline of water quality observations within priority watersheds, identified through the Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework, to determine if USFS is providing clean water to the Forests, its ecosystems, and the public”. AWW also has a youth-focused partnership program, 4-H Alabama Water Watch that prepares educators to teach students about water monitoring and stewardship. AWW is part of the Auburn University Water Resources Center (AUWRC) and receives support from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Water Watch Association (501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) and external funders. AWW is also part of the international water monitoring network, Global Water Watch.
The Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) is a statewide, independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to conserving and protecting Arkansas’s wildlife and natural habitats. Led by a CEO and a diverse board of directors representing communities across the state, AWF focuses on collaboration, transparency, and practical solutions to ensure a thriving future for all species. As the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, AWF connects local conservation efforts to national initiatives, elevating the impact of its work. Committed to preserving Arkansas’s rich biodiversity, AWF champions the protection of game, fish, and the 377 species at risk in the Natural State, promoting healthy ecosystems and sustaining the state’s renowned outdoor heritage.
Beyond Attitude Consulting is a global leader in driving meaningful change through the application of behavioral psychology. For over 30 years, we have focused on empowering people to build healthier habits and safer environments while promoting sustainability. We design impactful programs that go beyond traditional education and communication, fostering behaviors that protect individuals and their surroundings. Guided by extensive research into human behavior and attitudes, we craft tailored strategies that inspire both individual and collective action. Additionally, we train and empower others to become Agents of Change, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to apply behavioral psychology effectively. By multiplying our impact through collaboration and training, we aim to create a global network of changemakers, working together to make the world safer, healthier, and more sustainable.
Nestled in a scenic 6,400-acre wooded setting near Mansfield, Georgia, the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC) offers an array of outdoor activities, educational programs, and natural beauty. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, CEWC is centrally located, making it easily accessible from Atlanta, Athens, and Macon. The Center provides engaging, hands-on educational opportunities for K–12 students, scouts, families, and adults. These programs are designed to explore the wonders of the natural world, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of recreational opportunities as well as comfortable and convenient accommodations and facilities. At the CEWC Visitor Center, visitors have access to information on outdoor activities and can explore a museum showcasing the life and legacy of Charles Newton Elliott, the center’s namesake. The museum features a replica of his den, interactive wildlife exhibits, and a bird-viewing alcove.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is dedicated to conserving, enhancing, and promoting Georgia’s wildlife and natural resources. As one of five divisions within the Georgia DNR, WRD focuses on preserving the state’s game and nongame animals, fish, and protected plant species through management, education, and scientific research.
WRD is organized into three key sections: Game Management, Fisheries Management, and Wildlife Conservation, each playing a vital role in sustaining Georgia’s rich biodiversity. The division also leads important initiatives such as the State Wildlife Action Plan, invasive species management, and wildlife research to ensure the health and balance of Georgia’s ecosystems.
By fostering stewardship and providing critical resources, the Wildlife Resources Division is committed to promoting fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation for current and future generations.
Clemson Cooperative Extension enhances the quality of life for all South Carolinians by delivering unbiased, research-based information through programs in youth development, agribusiness, agriculture, food, health, and natural resources. With offices in all 46 counties, Clemson Extension supports the state’s $51.8 billion agriculture and forestry industries, fosters strong families and communities, promotes environmental stewardship, and connects people to their food. Guided by core principles of trust, collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and service excellence, Clemson Extension is committed to improving the economy, environment, and well-being of South Carolina through education and outreach.
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC) at Clemson University trains the next generation of environmental conservation professionals through outstanding education, research, and outreach. FEC focuses on sustainable forestry, wildlife, and fisheries conservation, partnering with industry, government agencies, and non-profits to protect forest, wetland, and aquatic ecosystems. With faculty based on Clemson’s main campus and at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, the department offers undergraduate degrees in Environmental and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, and Forest Resource Management—accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Graduate programs include M.S., Ph.D., and professional degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Forest Resources.
Since 2017, Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have collaborated to establish and support local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) throughout Indiana. This project focuses on empowering local communities to combat invasive plants through education, resource sharing, and technical assistance.
The initiative delivers statewide educational events, multi-partner workdays, and professional training to enhance invasive species management. SICIM staff provide landowners with property surveys, management plans, and one-on-one technical support. By creating organizational templates and offering resources, the program strengthens CISMA representation and builds capacity for effective, localized invasive species management.
Invasive Plant Control, Inc. was established in 1997 and has operated as an entity exclusively focused on the control of invasive species with projects ranging from the Virgin Islands to the hardwoods forests of northern Pennsylvania. In 2006, IPC began offering its consulting services globally with its first project in Tanzania, Africa designing and implementing a course on prevention of invasive species through ports of entry. IPC’s travel teams roam the United States targeting invasive species in fragile natural areas. Utilizing an Integrated Pest Management approach, IPC focuses on selectivity through proper timing and application methods. IPC also offers technologically advanced delineation, GPS/GIS & mapping of invasive species.
m Powered Strategies is an organizational effectiveness and professional services management consulting firm that empowers government and nonprofit clients to serve the public by delivering value to their stakeholders. We empower IT and mission support executives across sectors as broad as healthcare, public lands, and Veterans services. Since 2002 we have been helping our clients achieve their mission by emphasizing the fundamental elements of organizational effectiveness in designing organizations, getting their teams working together, and developing the management strategies and tools. Good organizational design focused on group collaboration and information sharing sets the stage for effective programs, and good program management delivers the mission benefits and services citizens demand of the today’s government agencies.
With organizational strategy and planning; portfolio, program, and project management; and stakeholder management, communications, and training expertise, MPS delivery teams provide outcomes you can use to get more value and more effectiveness out of your organization.
Predator Free 2050 Limited is a Crown-owned charitable company driving New Zealand’s mission to eradicate possums, stoats, and rats by 2050. By co-funding large-scale predator control and eradication projects, as well as pioneering breakthrough science, the organization supports both biodiversity restoration and community well-being across Aotearoa.
Currently funding 18 landscape projects spanning over 800,000 hectares in rural and urban areas, Predator Free 2050 Limited has already cleared over 114,000 hectares, with ongoing efforts to protect these areas using innovative tools and technologies. With an investment of $75.6 million, the organization collaborates with iwi, community groups, councils, and other funders to develop impactful predator-free initiatives.
Beyond its environmental impact, the Predator Free movement fosters social and economic benefits, uniting New Zealanders in a shared vision of a thriving and sustainable future.
The ERI Native American Forest and Rangeland Management Program fosters collaboration between tribal resource management programs and federal and state agencies to implement restorative management on tribal forests and rangelands. The program combines ERI’s scientific expertise with traditional knowledge to support ecological, economic, and cultural sustainability on tribal lands.
Focusing on resource management gaps between tribal and non-tribal lands, the program helps tribes develop long-term management plans, deliver restoration science, and create employment opportunities in natural resource management. It also promotes traditional practices in restoration efforts and supports Native American students pursuing careers in natural resource management through partnerships with educational institutions.
Science Into Action specializes in transforming complex scientific and technical knowledge into meaningful public value. Collaborating with boards, leadership, and management across diverse sectors, the organization bridges the gap between research and practical application, contributing expertise to policy development, planning, regulation, business strategy, and investment decisions.
Our work spans key areas including environment, climate, renewables, health, community, pollution, conservation, agriculture, fisheries, and sustainability. By turning science into actionable strategies, we empower organizations to drive innovation, solve pressing challenges, and create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.
We are co-founders of Authentic Co-design a program designed to build capability for people to co-design to solve complex problems together.
The Teton County Weed and Pest Control District (TCWP) is dedicated to protecting, managing, and restoring ecosystem integrity in Teton County, Wyoming. Established by the Wyoming State Legislature in 1973, TCWP operates under state statutes with a locally appointed board to implement effective programs targeting invasive species and vector-borne diseases. Focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment of noxious weeds and pests, TCWP works to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful species that threaten ecological and human health. Collaborating with private landowners, businesses, agencies, and other stakeholders, TCWP promotes responsible stewardship and supports community efforts to sustain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Brite Divinity School is a premier progressive theological institution in the Southwest, dedicated to cultivating exceptional leaders through rigorous scholarship, pastoral training, and spiritual development. Located on the campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, Brite offers a variety of ministerial and academic programs that prepare individuals to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and public life.
Although Brite Divinity School and TCU are independent institutions, they share a rich historical relationship rooted in their common affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This partnership is defined by a Supporting Services Agreement, which outlines TCU’s commitment to providing essential administrative support, operational services, and maintenance. Together, the two institutions embody a shared heritage, vision, and values, fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation and support that benefits students, staff, and faculty alike.
Brite envisions a world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice. Its mission is to educate and inspire people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and public life. The school’s core values integrate scholarship that engages churches, the academy, and public life; justice that enhances diversity, flourishing, and wholeness; and practice that enlivens intellectual, spiritual, and professional growth.
The UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) is a leading research, teaching, and Extension unit dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by invasive plant species. Established in 1978 by the Florida state legislature, CAIP was founded to develop environmentally sound management techniques for aquatic and natural area invasive plants.
Located near the main Gainesville campus, the Center emerged during a critical time for Florida’s environment. Despite limited resources and a small team of two faculty members, CAIP quickly gained international recognition for its groundbreaking research, effective management strategies, and its role in educating applicators and students alike.
Today, CAIP remains at the forefront of invasive plant management, collaborating with agencies and organizations while engaging the public about the ecological impacts of invasive species. Its multidisciplinary team of scientists and staff conducts cutting-edge research on topics including the ecological effects of management practices, the development of innovative control strategies, and the ecology of invasive plants. Committed to preserving aquatic and natural area ecosystems, CAIP continues to lead efforts to mitigate the threats posed by invasive species.
The UGA Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health is dedicated to leading efforts in the development, consolidation, and dissemination of information and programs focused on invasive species, forest health, and natural and agricultural management. Through technology development, program implementation, training, applied research, and public awareness, the Center addresses these critical issues at state, regional, national, and international levels. Over the past decade, the Center has secured more than $4 million in extramural funding to support its numerous grant-funded projects and cooperative agreements in areas such as invasive species management, integrated pest management, and forest health. By integrating science-based resources with cutting-edge information technology and graphic design, the Center provides an extensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of its clients. Its award-winning team collaborates with various organizations to deliver high-quality products efficiently and effectively. With goals to establish itself as a preeminent national and international public service and outreach center, the Center fosters collaborations between UGA and a wide range of partners, develops and disseminates impactful programs and materials, serves as a clearinghouse for critical information and training, and promotes public awareness and education on these pressing ecological challenges.
The University of Minnesota Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems brings together University experts from many disciplines to address the complex demands put on our land and water and develop balanced, comprehensive solutions. We provide effective, research-based education and integrate diverse perspectives to address critical issues impacting Minnesota’s food, agriculture, and natural resources. Because we are part of the communities we serve, we can identify needs early, set up related research as needed, and develop educational programs to bring information and training to the community.
The U.S. Forest Service is a leading authority on invasive species ecology, management, and research, working nationally and internationally to address aquatic and terrestrial invasive threats. Managing over 193 million acres of National Forest System lands, the agency collaborates with public and private partners, tribes, and local landowners to prevent, control, and respond to invasive species, pests, and diseases.
As an integral member of federal interagency coordinating groups like the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and the National Invasive Species Council, the Forest Service advances science-based strategies and innovative tools for invasive species management. Through its research facilities and expert network, the agency provides financial and technical support to partners across the U.S., protecting ecosystems from Alaska to the Caribbean.