Sunday May 19

Presenters:  Elaine Evans and Elise Bernstein

Description:  Are you passionate about pollinators? Do you want to share that passion with others? Learn about how to become a Pollinator Ambassador as part of the University of Minnesota Bee Squad's volunteer program. Pollinator Ambassadors conduct pollinator-centric outreach by giving talks and attending educational events. In this session, presenters will review what the Pollinator Ambassador training process looks like, an overview of our Pollinator Toolkit, and other expectations for becoming a volunteer.  

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter biographies:

• Elaine Evans is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator and researcher working on pollinator education and research relating to bee conservation. She completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Minnesota. She has authored several books: “Befriending Bumble Bees: A Guide to Raising Local Bumble Bees” and “Managing Alternative Pollinators”. Her work helps to monitor pollinators, improve the impact of pollinator habitat, raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, and provide action steps for pollinator conservation.

• Elise Bernstein is an outreach specialist and researcher with the University of Minnesota Bee Squad. Elise oversees the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas project, a community-science based project aimed at tracking and conserving Minnesota's bumble bees. She also assists in conducting bumble bee research and leads pollinator-centric outreach across the Twin Cities area. Elise holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota where she studied environmental science, policy, and management with a focus in environmental education and communication, alongside a minor in public health.

Presenter:  Margie Menzies

Description:  Minnesota has about 444 different species of birds, and almost 90% of them migrate! Why travel such distances? What are the things you must know to migrate? Does the whole population go at once? How do you learn the routes? It’s complicated business, and each species has its own fascinating story of how they get it done. We’ll get an update on the spring migration, explore the process and risks involved, and learn the migration stories of some familiar, and not so familiar Minnesota birds. We’ll start with a brief introduction indoors then head outside for exploration. 

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter biography:  Margie Menzies is a lifelong naturalist, educator, and lover of birds, rocks and all things of the natural world. She spent years in the formal classroom as a science teacher but has abandoned the indoors for the great outdoor classroom. She the full-time year-round Education Director at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. She has a passion for birds and is a songbird bander at Hawk Ridge during fall migration as well as MAPS stations studying summer breeding. Learning is a lifelong pursuit and sharing the wonders of the natural world with people of all ages is Margie’s happy place. 

Presenters:  Ashley O'Neill Prado and Ellie Hechter

Description:  Are you interested in building more youth education skills? No matter your background or skill level, this workshop is for you! We will be covering education basics specifically oriented around non formal learning: structured learning that takes place outside of a formal classroom. We will cover youth development, behavior management, and inquiry-based education and provide interactive opportunities to practice your new skills. Come with questions and leave with tools to get you planning your next educational program.

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter biographies:  

• Ashley O'Neill Prado (they/them) is an outdoor enthusiast, youth worker, and science communicator who has worked in sustainable agriculture, community organizing, food and environmental justice, outdoor environmental education, and now statewide STEM programming at the Bell Museum. Their work is centered around building relationships and partnerships to create diverse, impactful, and collaborative programming.

• My name is Ellie (she/her), and I work with the Bell Museum's Statewide Engagement Team to coordinate STEM events and activities across Minnesota. I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Education with a focus on Natural Science and Environmental Education. I have 5+ years of experience working with and leading youth, creating and planning nonformal public programs, and operating in a variety of non formal environments. I hope to create more inclusive, accessible, and effective science programming for students of all ages from all backgrounds.

Presenter:  Sam Guida

Description:  "Galls, burls and brooms! Oh my! This workshop will focus on exploring the lilliputian world of galls, burls, witches brooms and non-metazoan plant diseases as well as the plants they grow on.

Galls (no relation to sea gulls) are little hidden insect homes inside plants. You've definitely seen some before, such as the ping-pong ball sized lumps on goldenrod. 

We will start with some basic ID skills before heading out for a hike, training our eyes to notice lumpy leaves and other plant deformities, perfecting our identification skills as we go!"

Level of activity:  Moderately active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

Presenter biography:   Sam Guida (he/him) is currently working as the Facilities Director at Camp Olson YMCA in Longville, Minnesota. One day when wandering down the driveway, he noticed a funny bump on a willow tree. After some investigation, it turned out to be a gall caused by a tiny critter with a huge name; a willow beaked gall midge and Sam has been finding lumps on leaves, funny shaped flowers and spots on twigs ever since. He has also partnered with a number of organizations to host gall workshops including The Minnesota DNR, The Sax-Zim Bog, The KAXE Phenology Show. Sam also enjoys eating things he finds outside, cross country skiing, and power naps on the couch.

Presenter:  Barb Gecas

Description:   Discover Letterboxing, an activity that is akin to geo-caching. Follow written clues to find hidden boxes. The clues can contain natural and historical facts, as well as hints to the location of the box.  Each box holds a carved rubber stamp and a journal.  Use the stamp to record your find, and leave your "signature" behind by stamping your own stamp image into the box's journal. We will discuss ways to use letterboxing as a naturalist, how to write clues, how to carve a rubber stamp, and where to find materials and further information. We will carve personal stamps.  Then use your stamp to follow the hunt that will be set up at the conference site.  Materials will be provided.

Level of activity:  Moderately active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter biography:  I have been privileged to live on the Gunflint Trail for most of my adult life.  When I am not involved in the daily tasks of running a small resort, you can find me out on the hiking trails observing all the wonderful sights around me. As a life-long crafter and artisan, I especially enjoy working with children, and introducing them to both nature and craft.