eLearning Course: Invasive Species Scout Training

Illustration of a desktop computer displaying the "Invasive Species Scout Training" course by the UC Master Gardener Program. The screen shows a group of volunteers inspecting plants in a garden. The background is green with a black-outlined keyboard below the monitor.

Project Description:

The UC Master Gardener Program, in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), launched the Invasive Species Scout Project to engage trained volunteers in the early detection and accurate reporting of invasive pests. As part of this statewide initiative, an interactive eLearning course was developed to serve as both a recruitment and onboarding tool. The course introduces UC Master Gardener volunteers to the ecological and economic threats posed by invasive species in California and highlights the critical role volunteers play in protecting natural and agricultural resources through vigilant scouting and timely reporting.

Illustration of a laptop on a pink background showing a training progress flowchart for the UC Master Gardener Invasive Species Scout Program. Steps include: completing Invasive Pest Training, completing Scout Training and Survey, receiving access to the reporting tool, and finally being ready to “Scout and Report.” Each step is marked with a checkmark.

eLearning Course Description:

The course was designed to be educational, engaging, and accessible, using a cartoon-style character to guide learners through the scouting process in a relatable way. Following an orientation on the importance of early detection and the goals of the project, the animated Scout character walks learners through what to expect during a typical scouting experience. This includes how to use the digital reporting tool, follow safety protocols, and submit high-quality observations. At the conclusion of the course, learners are awarded an eLearning badge, and given the option to opt into the Invasive Species Scout Project. Those who opt in are then guided toward species-specific training modules and enrolled in monthly communications to support ongoing learning and field engagement.

Problem Solved:

California faces serious ecological and economic risks from invasive species, but limited government resources make it difficult to monitor and respond to threats across the state. Prior to this course, there was no standardized, scalable method to recruit and train volunteers in early detection and reporting protocols. The Invasive Species Scout Training course addressed this gap by creating an engaging, accessible, and self-paced learning experience that equipped UC Master Gardener volunteers with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to state monitoring efforts. It also reduced false reports by clearly modeling how to identify, photograph, and submit findings through a statewide system.

Audience:

UC Master Gardener Volunteers

Illustration of a laptop on a pink background displaying a slide with a map of California and four volunteer icons across the state. Text boxes list project requirements: 12 hours of continuing education and 25 volunteer hours per year, eligibility for both types of hours, and a special recognition pin for participants.

Tools Used:

Articulate Storyline, PowerPoint, Word, Box, Canva, Camtasia, PowToon, Learning Management System (Moodle).

Role:

Project Manager, Stakeholder Liaison, Co-Instructional Designer, Content Developer, Script Writer, Branding and Style Coordinator, Voice Over Talent, Video Shoot Coordinator, Quality Assurance, Learning Management System Course Publisher.

Illustration of a laptop on a pink background showing a video screen with the title "What does it mean to be a Scout?" On the right, a cartoon character is smiling and taking a photo of a plant with a smartphone. On the left, there's a prompt to click to play the video.

Results:

This course successfully recruited over 300 UC Master Gardener volunteers to join the Invasive Species Scout Project, equipping them with the skills needed to support early detection efforts across California. Since completing the training, participants have scouted over 80,000 tree-of-heaven, helping the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) monitor for high-priority invasive pests that feeds on tree-of-heaven.

Beyond the core training, many volunteers opted to take additional pest-specific modules to deepen their knowledge and improve the accuracy of their field observations. These continued learning efforts have strengthened the quality of statewide data and reduced false reports—saving valuable time and resources. Scouts are also connected through monthly communications, where they receive seasonal tips, pest alerts, and recognition for their contributions. Their work plays a critical role in protecting California’s agriculture and natural ecosystems from the threats posed by invasive species.

VIEW THE COURSE