2022 Presentations
Presentation from Thursday, January 13, 2022: Population Ecology of Trumpeter Swans in the Midwest with David Wolfson
Trumpeter Swans currently breed throughout most of the western Great Lakes region, including in Minnesota. However, there is relatively little recent information about their ecology, hindering conservation decision-making. To address current information needs, a sample of Trumpeter Swans has been marked with GPS-GSM transmitters. Results of this study will inform current and future Interior Population Trumpeter Swan conservation by providing basic information about migration, year-round movements, mortality risks, and use of agricultural and other landscapes. This presentation will provide an intro on Trumpeter Swan biology, a brief history of Trumpeter Swans in the Midwest, and an overview of the ongoing study.
Population Ecology of Trumpeter Swans in the Midwest Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, February 10, 2022: Bobcats and Fishers in Minnesota; History, Ecology, and Interactions with Michael Joyce
Bobcats and fishers are native mesocarnivores that live throughout the forested parts of Minnesota. Predation of fishers by bobcats appears to be one factor contributing to a recent decline in the fisher population in Minnesota. This presentation will describe the history and ecology of bobcats and fishers and highlight ongoing research aimed at learning more about their ecology and interactions in northern Minnesota.
Bobcats and Fishers in Minnesota: History, Ecology, and Interactions Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, March 10, 2022: Minnesota Turtle Conservation with Tricia Markle, PhD
Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, is a veritable paradise for freshwater turtles. Turtles are important members of our aquatic ecosystem and help to keep our rivers and lakes healthy. Unfortunately, as a result of habitat loss and degradation, road mortality, and poaching, turtles in our state are in trouble. Of the nine species found in Minnesota, Blanding’s and Wood turtles have faced significant population declines and are state listed as Threatened. In partnership with other state agencies, the Minnesota Zoo has launched a field research initiative to better understand the threats facing Minnesota’s turtles. Zoo staff are tracking turtles to learn more about their habitat needs, investigating strategies to reduce turtle road mortality, and testing measures to protect turtle nests and boost populations. Join us online to hear more about this project and learn what you can do to help turtles in our state.
Minnesota Turtle Conservation Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, April 14, 2022: Minnesota Biological Survey with Bruce Carlson
The mission of the 35-year-old MN Biological Survey is to collect, analyze, and deliver data on Minnesota’s native plants, animals, plant communities, and landscapes to support conservation and management of biological diversity. Program Supervisor, Bruce Carlson, will talk about the history, current work, and future direction of MBS. Bruce will talk about some of MBS’s notable discoveries and accomplishments and address questions such as: Why a biological survey of the state? What have we learned and how have we shared that knowledge in Minnesota? How has MBS affected the conservation and management of the state’s biodiversity? How can citizen volunteers contribute to the work of MBS? The talk will provide a particular emphasis on MBS’s work with native and rare plants, plant communities, and a presentation on Minnesota Salamanders!
Minnesota Biological Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, May 12, 2022: Minnesota’s Dragonflies and Damselflies with Curt Oien
Learn some cool stuff about dragonflies and damselflies and just how amazing they are. We will discuss both adults and aquatic nymphs. Learn about their place in nature and some of the threats that Odonata face in Minnesota. We will briefly discuss what the Minnesota Dragonfly Society has been doing and how you can get involved to help with its mission “to conserve Minnesota's dragonflies and damselflies through research and education.”
Minnesota’s Dragonflies and Damselflies Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, October 13, 2022: Tree Communities: Do Neighbors Get Along? with Maria Park
Forests are losing biodiversity as humans alter the global climate and fragment habitats. Understanding how neighbor trees interact with each other can help us predict how forest ecosystems will change over time. Maria Park will share how she uses a mix of remote sensing and field-based studies to understand how trees cooperate and compete in the Forests and Biodiversity (FAB) experiments at Cedar Creek.
Tree Communities: Do Neighbors Get Along? Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, November 10, 2022: Minnesota's Native Orchids: with Rosemary and Malcom MacFarlane
This presentation includes information and pictures of most of our native orchids with commentary on the information the authors have collected over the years working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the University of Minnesota's Arboretum project collecting seeds and roots of native orchids.
Minnesota's Native Orchids Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, December 8, 2022: Waterways, Human Interaction, and the Deep History of Water in Minnesota: with Justin Blum
"Where does our water come from? Where does it go?" We'll consider the demise of White Bear Lake and therefore the ecosystem, other surprising filling and emptying of bodies of water, and what happens when we turn on our faucet or flush our toilets. How does this impact water usage and the related geological features?
Waterways, Human Interaction, and the Deep History of Water in Minnesota Presentation Link