Winter Twig Identification
Cost: $50
Workshop Description: The workshop will teach participants to identify common species of trees and woody shrubs of the midwestern and eastern United States, with a special emphasis on distinguishing species of oaks in the winter. Participants will learn to use basic botanical features used for identification such as buds, twig characteristics, bark, and fruits. Identifying tree species accurately is very important for ecological monitoring, for protecting and managing natural areas which is closely aligned with conference topics.
Participants will need to bring a hand lens.
Category: Species IdentificationWater Words that Work: choose your words and pictures wisely
Cost: $25
Workshop Description: Make a splash with your words and pictures! Relearn the language that everyday citizens use and become more confident and successful with your outreach. This course provides unique insights into what words and pictures turn your audience on, and off.
Part 1. The Perils of Preaching to the Choir. You will discover how to spot the signs of 'preaching to the choir' and recognize when you are sending messages that miss the mark or antagonize your audience.
Part 2. The Environmental Message Method, Steps 1-4. You will learn a proven step-by-step method to translate professional-caliber information into messages for the general public.
Part 3. The Environmental Message Method, Steps 5 and 6. You will discover techniques for getting others to vouch for you, and you will learn how to scientifically measure how easy or difficult your writing is to read. Turn passive 'environmental awareness' into pro-environmental behavior.
Category: Communication StrategiesAquatic Plant Identification SOLD OUT
Cost: $50
Workshop Description: Experience the land of 10,000 lakes through a botanical lens and see what grows hidden beneath the waves of Minnesota's most treasured aquatic natural areas. This workshop will focus on the identification of submerged, free-floating, and floating-leaved plant species of Minnesota lakes. This hands-on workshop will feature live plants and select pressed specimens. Participants will be introduced to a number of common species, along with a subset of less common and rare species. If time allows, methods for proper collection and preservation will be discussed and demonstrated. Workshop participants will walk away with a better understanding of and appreciation for the rich floral diversity of Minnesota lakes and how to distinguish between multiple genera and species.Category: Species IdentificationJoin the people who protect and manage our natural areas.