Saturday May 17

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:

• Alan Holzer has been a naturalist for Three Rivers Park District in suburban Hennepin county since 2006.  He particularly enjoys teaching and learning about insects, river systems, useful wild plants, and wildlife tracks and sign. He is a MN Master Naturalist instructor and certified in wildlife tracks and sign.  He lives with his family in St. Paul, but has lived in numerous Midwest and east coast states, and is always up for learning something new.

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:

• Camden Droppo is a Senior Invasive Species Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, operating from the Brainerd office, which serves Region 2 in the northeast area of Minnesota. His work predominantly involves the management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Crow Wing, Aitkin, and Pine Counties, with a particular emphasis on species such as curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, Starry stonewort, and zebra mussels.

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:

• Waverly Reibel is in her third year as a coordinator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Volunteer Water Monitoring Program, where she manages program data, recruitment, retention, and social media efforts. 

• Kirstin Stutzman started as a coordinator with the MPCA's Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in December 2024. Prior to joining the MPCA in her new role, she lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands and homeschooled her two young boys, lead kayak tours in a bioluminescent bay, and served on the board of the St. Croix (USVI) Environmental Association. 

Presenters:  John Downing

Description:  Minnesota has 14,380 of the best lakes in the world but they are changing. Learn what distinguishes lakes, ponds and wetlands and why it matters. Also discussed will be how Minnesota lakes are changing and why that is happening. Learn some practical tips on how you can keep your favorite lake clean and healthy for as long as possible in this changing world.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:

• John Downing grew up on the lakes in northern Minnesota and has studied lakes, rivers and oceans around the world. He is currently director of the Minnesota Sea Grant program, a research scientist at the Large Lakes Observatory in Duluth, and a professor of Biology. Before that, he studied some of the most eutrophic waters on Earth in his work at Iowa State University and was a professor at McGill University and the University of Montreal in Quebec. He was president of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography and has won several awards for water research and outreach.

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:

• Angela Gupta is a University of Minnesota Extension Professor of Forestry who specializes in terrestrial invasive species, climate ready woods and is a founding member of the MN Women’s Woodland Network. She’s done invasive species early detection education and outreach and has been a part of the MN Women’s Woodland Network since 2008. Angela earned a MA in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a BS in Forestry from the University of Kentucky. Before joining Extension, Angela was an industrial forester working with private landowners in Michigan and a US Peace Corps Agroforestry Extensionist in Kenya, East Africa.

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:

• Larry Weber is a retired teacher and currently a nature writer. He writes a weekly phenology column for a Duluth newspaper and has authored about 20 books: Spiders, Butterflies, Fungi, Phenology and Teaching Phenology. He has taught Minnesota Master Naturalist, Road Scholar, and University for Seniors and given many nature presentations. He has two weekly radio programs emphasizing local phenology.

Presenters:  Annie Knight

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:

Presenters:  Megan Weber & Michelle Isaacson

Description:  Join UMN Extension and MAISRC’s aquatic invasive species team to learn about some simple monitoring tools you can use to help search for aquatic invasive species as you enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful water resources! We’ll have aquatic plant sampling rakes (built from supplies you can easily find at the hardware store) and a plankton net (special ordered online) and talk about how you can get your hands on both of these tools, best practices for using them to explore what’s growing and living in your favorite lake, and what to do with what you find! We’ll bring along some identification guides to explore what comes out of the water too. 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: Beginner

Presenter Biography:

Presenters:  Anthony Schroeder

Description:  coming soon

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate

Presenter Biography:

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:

Presenters:  Dr. 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:

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:

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:

Presenters:  Maria Olson and Megan Raschka

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:

Presenters:  Tim Whitfeld

Description:  During 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.  

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter Biography:

Presenter:  Shalesa Johnson & Louisa Brody

Description: Join Minnesota Land Trust staff for an engaging and informative session that provides an overview of our mission and impact. Discover how the Land Trust is committed to preserving land forever, and learn about the important role volunteers play in supporting our efforts. From conserving vital natural spaces to ensuring the long-term protection of Minnesota’s landscapes, find out how you can contribute to sustaining our shared environment.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:

• • Shalesa Johnson is a Stewardship Coordinator at the Minnesota Land Trust, where she specializes in ecological reporting, easement monitoring, and volunteer management. With a background in Wildlife Biology, Shalesa is dedicated to preserving natural landscapes and promoting environmental stewardship. She leads the organization’s Volunteer Program and applies her experience in GIS, fieldwork, and drone operations to support land conservation efforts. Passionate about community engagement and environmental education, she strives to make a positive impact on both landscapes and communities. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, connecting with others, and spending time with her dog.

  • Louisa Brody is a Stewardship Associate at the Minnesota Land Trust, where she supports easement monitoring, record keeping and reporting, GIS mapping, and landowner relations. As a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, she is dedicated to land conservation, ecological restoration, and community engagement. Louisa is passionate about environmental equity and climate resilience, striving to connect people with nature and inspire action on environmental issues. Her experience in both public and private sectors of conservation has shaped her approach to balancing human activity with land preservation. Outside of work, she enjoys good food, photography, spending as much time outside as possible, and leading Amantes de la Naturaleza, an online discussion series for Spanish-speaking nature lovers.

Presenter:  Jake Walsh

Description: Even though you often can't see them, zooplankton--the tiny yet abundant, free-floating animals in aquatic systems--play crucial roles in lake ecosystems as a key food source for most young fish and many adult fishes, and as grazers of algae that can improve lake water quality. Some zooplankton, like the spiny water flea, are invasive predators of native zooplankton and can disrupt these roles. In this session, we will explore these important roles and learn about the many different kinds of zooplankton in lakes.

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter Biography: 

• • Dr. Jake Walsh is a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. As a President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program fellow, Jake has been evaluated for an assistant professorship starting in Fall 2025. Jake’s research focuses on aquatic ecology and stewardship, especially in understanding and managing aquatic biological communities and ecosystem services with state, local, and tribal partners. Prior to joining FWCB, Jake worked as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Research & Grants Coordinator. Jake received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology where he studied the ecological and economic impacts of aquatic invasive species. 

Presenter:  Henry LaBounta

Description: Our neighborhood went from 1 Earth Day event per year to working with 9 neighborhoods around the Chain of Lakes on 68 events with 843 volunteers. We received grants from MWMO and Hennepin County to focus our efforts on water quality. We increased Storm Drain adoption from 16% to 73%, gave out 120 bags of traction grit to use as a winter salt alternative. We also picked up 11,500+ Gallons of trash, 164 Syringes and cleaned 700+ storm drains. How did we do this? Come check out this talk to learn more. We're learning more with every event we do. Our work has been featured on KSTP 5, WCCO 4, FOX 9 news and in The Hill & Lake Press, Southwest Voices and The Wedge Live.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter Biography:

• • Henry LaBounta spends his time in Minneapolis on the environment and artwork. He’s been awarded grants focusing on water quality from MWMO and Hennepin County. Henry started Green Guardians MN and works with Upstream MN, HandsOn Twin Cities, Freshwater, MPRB and the City of Minneapolis.

Presenter:  Jeff Fischer

Description:  Explore the life of dragonflies, one of the oldest flying creatures on earth, whose ancestry stretches back around 300 million years. Discover the unique and interesting attributes of dragonflies that have helped them become the most proficient predator on the planet. Learn about the life stages of incomplete metamorphosis and how dragonflies spend the majority of their life under water.

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter Biography:

• • Jeff Fischer is a founding member of the Minnesota Dragonfly Society and a current board member. He is also a past President of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society, a lifetime member of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, a Minnesota Master Naturalist and a Wisconsin Master Naturalist.

Presenter:  John Loegering

Description:  Minnesota is home to over a dozen aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals. We will discuss the adaptations and unique characteristics of these mammals as well as explore skins, skulls, and multimedia resources to help you identify, track, and understand both the often seen and the shy members of aquatic systems.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter Biography:

• • John is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Minnesota Crookston, and an Extension Wildlife Specialist.  He has worked with the University of Minnesota Extension Service on wildlife-related issues with the Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, and Woodland Adviser programs since 2001.  He regularly speaks to groups on human-wildlife interactions, wildlife damage management, and enhancing landscapes for wildlife.  His collegiate teaching focuses on Wildlife Ecology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Fisheries Management, and Environmental Statistics.  His research focuses on habitat associations and reproductive performance of wild birds.  John holds a BS in Biology and Zoology from North Dakota State University, a MS and PhD in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech and Oregon State University, respectively.  

• • Join the Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter on a Night Hike.  Experience the feel and sounds of the Northwoods at night!

  • Mothing Station- We will have a moth bait station set up with UV flashlights and see what we attract and can identify!

  • Bioluminescence Hike- Join Mnat volunteer Beth Girard in the classroom to learn about what bioluminescence is and then head into the woods and see what glows out there.  UV flashlights are provided.

  • Come join fellow SNA site stewards from across the state to share stewarding highlights, challenges, and helpful tips with one another. Stephanie Hummel, Statewide Volunteer Outreach Specialist for the SNA program, will be there to answer any stewardship questions you may have  (Pine 1),

  • Dessert and Cash Bar available in Pine 2/3.

  • Campfire and S'mores at the Lakeside fire ring.  If you have an instrument, bring it along and we can sing the old camp songs!