Saturday May 17

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Sessions

The Mystery of Mussels

Presenters:  Alan Holzer

Description:  Freshwater mussels are some of the most threatened species on planet Earth.  Here in Minnesota, we are lucky to be able to see a wide diversity of mussel species in our lakes and rivers.  Learn about the unique life cycle of freshwater mussels, the threats they face, and how they are important to aquatic ecosystems.

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:



AIS in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Presenters:  Camden Droppo

Description:  During this session, we will discuss the current state of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Brainerd Lakes area, concentrating on Starry stonewort, zebra mussels, and Eurasian watermilfoil. Additionally, we will identify native species that could be confused with these invasives and review the management practices being implemented.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate 

Presenter Biography:



Power to the People: Using Volunteer Collected Data to Detect Water Clarity Trends in Minnesota’s Lakes and Streams

Presenters:  Waverly Reibel, Kirstin Stutzman

Description:  For over 50 years, volunteers have gathered critically important water clarity data on Minnesota lakes and streams. For some bodies of water, volunteer monitoring provides the only data available, making this work indispensable. At least twice a month during the summer, volunteers measure water clarity at designated locations on lakes or streams. During each visit, they record their reading and observations on the physical and recreational conditions of their lake or stream. They submit the information at the end of each monitoring season. Anyone can do it — no prior experience is needed. The MPCA uses volunteer-collected data to make decisions on watershed protection and restoration.

Level of activity:  A little bit active 

Audience Experience Level:  Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter Biography:



Minnesota lakes: how many, how are they and why are they changing?

Presenters:  John Downing

Description:  coming soon

Level of activity:  

Audience Experience Level: 

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Forests & Pollinators: Learn how you can help

Presenters:  Angela Gupta

Description:  Did you know woody plants support 10 times more butterflies and moths than herbaceous plants? During this presentation, participants will learn how woodlands support many different types of pollinators throughout their diverse life stages. There will also be updates about Extension Forestry team changes and programs; Climate-Ready Woodland program updates and initial participatory science results. We will end with a call to action including phase two of the Climate-ready woodlands participatory science and tree seed collection opportunities.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter Biography:




10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Sessions

Modern Day Nature Writing

Presenters:  Larry Weber

Description:  It is easy to think that Nature Writing is something that was done in the past; maybe more than one hundred years ago. In this presentation, we will define what is Nature Writing and why NOW is an excellent time to do Nature Writing. We will look at styles and examples and we will discuss the why, when, where and how of doing Nature Writing. We can all do Nature Writing.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter Biography:


Engaging your community members in water quality conversations with the Watershed Game

Presenters:  Maggie Karschnia

Description:  Protecting and improving the water quality of our 10,000+ lakes and waterways in Minnesota not only takes technical solutions, but also the commitment and action of community members that is built through outreach and engagement. Participants in this session will take part in an interactive watershed planning simulation using the Watershed Game. This game has been used for nearly two decades with lake associations, citizen advisory committees, neighborhood groups, watershed boards, student groups, and others to inspire actions that improve water quality in our local waterways. The Watershed Game helps community members understand how their land and water management choices affect the health of our water resources downstream, and provides a fun and engaging way to build collaboration in a group, navigate controversial topics, and introduce new stormwater concepts. Come and learn how you might be able to engage your local community groups with the Watershed Game which is free to loan from Minnesota Sea Grant.

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Intermediate

Presenter Biography:



Protecting Your Land, Preserving Our Waters

Presenters:  Ally Mazurek

Description:  Minnesota’s waters and wildlife depend on the choices landowners make. Join us for a practical and inspiring look at watershed-based conservation—how your land connects to clean water, healthy habitats, and a strong natural heritage. Learn actionable strategies to safeguard your property and how to permanently protect your land for future generations. Let’s work together to protect the places we love!

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:



Simple ways to explore Minnesota lakes while monitoring for aquatic invasive Species

Presenters:  Megan Weber & Michelle Isaacson

Description:  This will be a limited capacity session taking place outdoors on one of Cragun’s pontoons! In the event of inclement weather, we will move the session indoors.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: 

Presenter Biography:



Filtering through Minnesota's Unknown - An Examination of Minnesota's Freshwater Sponges

Presenters:  Anthony Schroeder

Description:  coming soon

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate

Presenter Biography:



12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  -  Lunch 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sessions

Aquatic Organisms and the Effects of Invasive Species on Minnesota Ecosystems

Presenters:  Kassandra Ford

Description:  A combination of two activities will showcase the negative impact of aquatic invasive species on Minnesota ecosystems. Using posterboard lakes, visitors will “build their own lakes” with various organisms and be able to visualize the impacts of invasive species on the biodiversity of lake ecosystems. There will also be connections made to research being done through the Bell Museum and state agencies (MNDNR and MPCA) to investigate biodiversity changes over time and with the emergence of invasive species. Final discussions will include invasive species research being done at the U (MAISRC) and methods of control of Common Carp to reduce their impacts

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter Biography:


Creating Natural Dyes For Beginners

Presenters:  Ellie Hechter

Description:  Within this session, learn about different natural resources that can be foraged and used to make natural dyes. Learn about how to sustainably forage these resources, and go on a walk with other participants to collect some. We will then come together to practice making fabric dyes from collected items. Then, you can try your hand of dying some fabric on your own to take home! All experiences welcomed, but the content will be intended for beginners to foraging and dye making.

Level of activity:  Moderately active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:


Life at the Lake

Presenters:  Hugh Gabriel

Description:  Become a limnologist and learn to measure the health of Minnesota’s lakes and all the life that depends on them! An interactive boat tour will take participants through a watery food chain, as we sample phytoplankton, observe waterfowl, and even meet some fish. Leave the lake with fresh ideas on how our lakes are changing, and what you can do to help keep them healthy!

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level:  Beginner

Presenter Biography:


Oasis in Space: The Search for Life

Presenters:  Maria Olson

Description:  Take a journey through our solar system as we discover what makes Earth the best place for life to thrive. Together we’ll look at the factors that make life on our planet so achievable, as well as how other planets in the solar system might have possessed the capability to sustain life in the past, and where else we might find life beyond Earth.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:


Preparing plant specimens for the herbarium: pressing and mounting 

Presenters:  Time Whitfeld

Description:  Take a journey through our solar system as we discover what makes Earth the best place for life to thrive. Together we’ll look at the factors that make life on our planet so acDuring this session, you will learn techniques used by herbarium professionals for pressing and mounting plants. We will cover woody plants, wildflowers, and awkward oversized grasses. All plant material and supplies will be provided but if you have your own press, feel free to bring that along.  ievable, as well as how other planets in the solar system might have possessed the capability to sustain life in the past, and where else we might find life beyond Earth.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter Biography:


3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sessions

Preserving Minnesota's Future: Minnesota Land Trust’s Impact and How You Can Help


Zooplankton, the best friend you never knew aquatic systems had


Gathering Neighbors and Saving Lakes


Chasing Dragons, an Intro to the Fascinating World of Dragonflies


Natural History of Aquatic Mammals


6:00 p.m -  Dinner

7:30 p.m. - Evening social activities

Night Hike, Mothing station, Bioluminescence hike, S'mores and campfire, Dessert