People who love nature and want to preserve it are being sought to help monitor fragile wetlands as part of Hennepin County's Wetland Health Evaluation Program.

Partnering cities use the data collected by volunteers to assist with natural resource management.

Volunteers must be adults. They don't need a science background or previous experience — just an interest in wetlands, bugs and plants.

The county provides all of the training, equipment and leadership.

Wetland-monitoring teams will be formed in Minneapolis, Maple Grove, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Minnetonka.

Everyone in these cities and in neighboring communities is welcome to join a team.

The total time commitment is 15 hours a month from May to September of this year.

Volunteer applications will be accepted through June 15.

To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, call Mary Karius at 612-596-9129 or go to www.hennepin.us/volunteer.

STAFF REPORT