Sunday May 18

Presenters:  Maddi Nistler & Natasha Bartolotta

Description:  We’re all a little loony for Minnesota’s state bird! Whether you only know Common Loons by their iconic calls, or you are a long time loon watcher, these charismatic birds will never stop surprising you. This on-the-water session will dive into the physical and behavioral characteristics that make Common Loons unique, as well as aspects of the intricate ecological network of freshwater ecosystems. We will take a boat tour of Gull Lake and discuss some best practices that you can adopt to better protect loons from the environmental conflicts we see today. 

Level of activity:  Inactive

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate

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Presenters:  Tanner Barnharst

Description:  The workshop will give you hands on time with dozens of lichens enabling you to learn about lichens intuitively. You will become familiar with the primary lichen forms and features needed for identification all while getting hands on time with lichens from Minnesota.

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

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Presenters:  Rebecca Beduhn

Description:  We will discuss key indicators used to differentiate wetlands from adjacent uplands, including soil saturation, organic matter content, and plant communities. Working in teams, attendees will dig soil pits at different landscape positions, comparing soil properties, vegetation, and hydrology across the gradient.  The session will include a discussion on the ecological benefits of wetlands and an overview of Minnesota-specific wetland regulations.

Level of activity:  Moderately active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Presenter biographies:

• Rebecca Beduhn, MCWP, PWS, is a wetland professional with 14+ years of experience in delineation and permitting. A member of the Minnesota Wetland Professionals Association, she has worked on 250+ projects across six states, delineating thousands of basins. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Soil Science from the University of Minnesota. Her master’s research focused on redoximorphic features and water table modeling. With expertise in wetland assessment and regulatory compliance, Rebecca is committed to preserving and managing wetland ecosystems while balancing conservation and land use needs.

Presenters:  Griffin Bray

Description:  As nature enthusiasts, we love getting outside and sharing the natural world with others. But how can we do that most effectively, especially with larger groups of people? Take a walk with us and explore proven techniques that can help you elevate your education and interpretation hikes. We will go outdoors, so please prepare for the weather.

Level of activity:  Moderately active (walking, standing)

Audience Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

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• Griffin Bray is a naturalist with seven years of experience interpreting the Great Lakes region. He has led hundreds of outdoor programs for all ages.

Presenters:  Will Bartsch & Cindy Hagley

Description:  Bring your laptop, tablet, or a computer-carrying friend and get acquainted with the online Minnesota Natural Resource Atlas, an interactive mapping tool designed for speed and ease of use. The Atlas is paired with 500+ data layers, from A (agriculture) to W (water, watersheds).

Level of activity:  A little bit active

Audience Experience Level: Beginner

Presenter biographies:

• Will Bartsch leads the Data Collection and Delivery Research Group at the Natural Resources Research Institute. He was pivotal in the development of the MN Natural Resource Atlas. Will’s research focuses on the development and analysis of spatial data to better understand aquatic and terrestrial environments. He is particularly interested in increasing access to spatial data in an effort to both facilitate communication about Minnesota’s natural resources and improve the decisions that impact those resources. Will holds an M.S. in Water Resource Science from UMD. 

• Cindy Hagley is an outreach specialist working part-time with the Natural Resources Research Institute on training to use the MN Natural Resource Atlas. Cindy has an MS in water quality and ecology from the University of California and worked for many years with the Minnesota Sea Grant program developing and providing training and education around shoreland management, teacher professional development, and water quality.

Presenters:  Amy Rager

Description:  American White Pelicans are more frequently seen across Minnesota in recent years.  Come and learn all about the history and life cycle of these amazing large waterbirds.

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