Embedded Files
Presentation from Thursday, January 11, 2024: Bugs Below Zero, Engaging Citizens in Winter Research with Dr. Rebecca Swenson, Dr. Amy Schrank, and Dr. Alyssa Anderson
The purpose of the Bugs Below Zero project is to raise awareness about the winter life of bugs, inspire learning about stream food webs, and engage citizen scientists in research and environmental stewardship.
Some insects (including stoneflies, mayflies, caddisflies and non-biting midges) are active in the winter months. These bugs are able to survive below-zero temperatures and can often be found on snow banks! They are also a vitally important food for trout. Researchers are examining how seasonal changes may alter these insects’ life-cycles and trout populations. Now, the research group is looking for volunteers to help with monitoring efforts and to expand the scope of this research program.
Bugs Below Zero Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, February 8, 2024: Dark Skies and Astrophotography with Terry Nielsen of DarkSky International
This presentation provides some background on light pollution and the wide range of effects that light pollution causes, from limiting our viewing and interactions with the night sky; to effects on birds, insects and wildlife; to health and safety concerns. The presentation will also cover aspects of a project to establish a network of Sky Quality Meters in the region to measure the quality of the night sky at a variety of locations and monitor and report changes. Finally, the presentation will share a few astronomy photographs that were taken under the night sky and discuss the impacts of light pollution on astronomy and astrophotography.
Dark Skies and Astrophotography Presentation Link
Presentation from Thursday, March 14, 2024: One Herd, Many Locations, Bison in Minnesota Today and the Future with WMC member Rena Chrysler
Rena will give a big-picture overview of all the bison locations that make up the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd. She will describe the specific needs of bison to flourish and how the various Minnesota locations provide the best prairie habitat. She will discuss the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd partners’ commitment to high-quality bison genetics as they maintain the herd, and how they share research and expertise.
One Herd, Many Locations-Bison in Minnesota Today and the Future Presentation Link
Presentation from Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Land Conservation Natural Burial Project with Alicia Waters and Zac Willette
“There’s no better way to connect people to the land than to bury them in it.” – Joe Sehee, founder of Green Burial Council.
How can the environmentally conscious ensure that even after death our bodies help conserve natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the land? The Land Conservation Natural Burial Project, a group working to establish a conservation burial area in the Twin Cities metro area, will discuss the three kinds of natural burial, water cremation, and other ways of greening death. This conversation isn’t only about death. It is about tending the Earth, living mindfully, and dying consciously.
Land Conservation Natural Burial Project Presentation Link
Presentation from Tuesday, November 12, 2024: Minnesota's Freshwater Mussels with Zoe Schroeder
Everyone has heard of the invasive zebra mussel, but very few people are aware of the native populations of mussels in Minnesota. Native freshwater mussels provide valuable ecosystem services and are a keystone species. They filter and clean our water, and they provide essential habitat for many other organisms. Unfortunately, native mussel populations are declining due to poor water quality, invasive species, stream fragmentation, and many other factors. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs (CAMP) has been protecting native freshwater mussel populations for over twenty years. CAMP's founder, Mike Davis, began monitoring native mussel populations in the late 90s. Mike’s legacy lives on today thanks to the passionate biologists at CAMP, who are working hard to continue monitoring existing populations, and to propagate threatened and endangered mussels to release into rivers across Minnesota and increase their populations.
Minnesota's Freshwater Mussels Presentation Link
Presentation from Tuesday, December 10, 2024: Working Together Protecting Our Water with Gael Zembal
Water bodies in urban areas face many challenges, from pollution, to climate change, to road salt. Watershed districts around the state work to protect, manage, and restore water resources in their areas. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District is one of those organizations working in the southwest metro along with many others. Learn about their work to keep lakes and creeks healthy, and how you can get involved.
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