summit guide & schedule of events -...

Activities

Keynote: Julia Robson

18 Workshops, Trainings, & Field Trips

35+ Oral Presentations

Poster Session

Volunteer Fair

Awards and Recognition

Silent Auction

Summit Guide & Schedule of Events

March 22-24, 2018

V1.12.18

Summit Schedule—At a Glance

Thursday March 22, 2018

Friday March 23, 2018

Saturday March 24, 2018

8:00 AM

Bird Banding (8-10:30am)

Registration (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Registration (opens at 7:30am)

Welcome Oral presentations

Keynote Volunteer Fair

Trainings & Workshops

Oral presentations


Oral presentations

Noon Registration

(12:00pm - 5:00pm) Lunch

Trainings, Field Trips, & Workshops


Oral presentations

Poster Session

Evening

Dinner, Awards, Silent Auction, Social

Welcome! The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program and the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network are proud to host this joint conference that brings together people from across the state to network, share ideas, build partnerships, and develop skills related to natural resources volunteering. The Summit is a can’t-miss event for anyone involved in natural resources volunteerism, including citizen-based monitoring, education and stewardship. Everyone is invited to attend the Summit including project leaders, volunteers, land managers, researchers, and the public. Register today!

March 22-24, 2018

Logistics and Details (Page 4) Registration Scholarships Exhibit/Display Tables Venue and Lodging Volunteer Fair Sustainability Silent Auction (Page 6) Keynote (Page 7) Awards and Recognitions (Page 7) Thursday Schedule (Page 8) Workshops, Trainings and Field Trip Descriptions (Page 9) Friday Schedule (Page 11)

Workshops, Trainings and Field Trip Descriptions (Page 12) Oral and Poster Presentations (Page 13)

Saturday Schedule (Page 26)

Workshops, Trainings and Field Trip Descriptions (Page 27) Oral and Poster Presentations (Page 28) Volunteer Fair—Organizations (Page 35) Tables—Organizations (Page 36) Sponsors (Page 37)

Contents

Registration Register online at https://uwccs.eventsair.com/wisnrv/reg. This is a first-come, first-serve registration and spots are limited. Early Bird Registration will close on February 9 or when capacity is met. There will be an additional $15 charge for registrations completed February 10 through March 2. We expect capacity to be met prior to this date, so please register soon to guarantee your participation. If you wish to participate in a workshop, field trip, or training, you must sign up during registration.

If you experience difficulties registering or need to pay by phone, please contact CALS Conference Services at [email protected] or (608) 263-1672.

*Workshops, Field Trips, and Trainings: To participate in a workshop, field trip, or training, you must select it during registration. Space is limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through the registration portal. Participants must provide their own transportation to off-site programming. You may participate in more than one workshop, field trip, or training, but please check the schedule to ensure that your choices don’t overlap.

Scholarships: If the registration fee is a hardship, please fill out a scholarship form for consideration. Scholarships will be awarded up to one-half of the overall registration fee for a maximum award of $45.00. You must know which days you would like to attend in order to complete this form prior to Feb 9, 2018. https://goo.gl/forms/j1Xkq7qsI1sDR5K92

The information provided will remain confidential. Applications must be submitted and approved before you register online. You'll be notified within 2 weeks on the status of your request. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or (608) 262-0020.

Exhibit/Display Tables: Tables are available for exhibits and displays for $100 for commercial exhibitors and $15 for nonprofit or educational groups. Tables are 6 x 2.5 feet, and tablecloths will be provided. Displays should be up both Friday and Saturday, and tables should be staffed, at minimum, during the breaks. Conference registration is required to host a table; be sure to select the table option when registering.

Cancellation Policy: A refund will be issued if you cancel on or before March 10, 2018. No refunds will be made after March 10, 2018. Substitute registrations are accepted at any time. Contact CALS Conference Services at 608-263-1672 or email [email protected] to cancel or substitute. If the conference is cancelled for any reason, the registration fee will be refunded. The conference organizers are not responsible for transportation, hotel or any other costs.

Early Bird Registration Details

Date Cost Programming Included Meals

Thursday, March 22 $20 Workshops, Trainings, Field Trips* Afternoon Snack

Friday, March 23 $50

Keynote Speaker: Julia Robson Concurrent Presentation Sessions Poster & Networking Session Silent Auction & Awards Banquet Workshops & Trainings*

Morning Snack Lunch Afternoon Snack Dinner

Saturday, March 24 $20 Concurrent Presentation Sessions Volunteer Fair Workshops & Trainings*

Morning Snack

https://uwccs.eventsair.com/wisnrv/reg

https://goo.gl/forms/j1Xkq7qsI1sDR5K92

https://goo.gl/forms/j1Xkq7qsI1sDR5K92

mailto:[email protected]

Venue and Lodging Conference Location: Lismore Hotel, 333 Gibson Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Overnight Accommodations: A block of rooms for March 22 and March 23 has been reserved at the Lismore Hotel until February 16, 2018, or when the block is filled, for conference participants at the nightly rate of $109/night (not state rate eligible), plus applicable taxes or $82/night (state rate eligible). State rate eligible means that the State of Wisconsin will be directly paying for your guest room reservation (or reimbursing you per travel policy.)

Call the Lismore Hotel at 715-835-8888 and identify yourself as a member of Group Code WDN if you are not state rate eligible or WDS if you are state rate eligible. All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. If you need to cancel your guest room reservation, you must do so prior to 24 hours before 3:00 PM of your check-in date.

Parking: Parking at the Lismore is not included in your conference registration or hotel reservation, but there are plenty of parking options. The Farwell/Gibson Parking Ramp, on the southwest corner of Farwell St. and Gibson St., charges $0.50/hour, with a 24-hour maximum of $8. This ramp connects directly to the Lismore Hotel. There is a large, free lot 3 blocks from the hotel, at Gray St. and Farwell St. You can find a complete list and map of nearby parking ramps and lots on the City of Eau Claire’s website.

Volunteer Fair There will be a one-hour volunteer fair on Saturday, March 24. This will give projects and organizations a chance to connect with conference attendees who are looking for volunteer opportunities. If your project or organization wants a spot, be sure to select the volunteer fair option during registration. Only one individual per group needs to choose this option.

Sustainability The Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers is committed to sustainability, and we are working to minimize the environmental impacts of the event. We are minimizing printing, reusing conference supplies, and working with the Lismore to reduce waste during meals and snack breaks. You can do your part by carpooling with other conference attendees from your area, bringing your own reusable water bottle, following recycling and composting rules onsite, and choosing low-waste dining options during your travels to and from the conference.

March 22-24, 2018

http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/wisconsin/the-lismore-hotel-eau-claire-a-doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-EAUDTDT/index.html

http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/wisconsin/the-lismore-hotel-eau-claire-a-doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-EAUDTDT/index.html

http://www.ci.eau-claire.wi.us/departments/public-works/parking/parking-lots-ramps

Silent Auction– Friday, March 23 Spend some money to buy something special for yourself, a gift for a friend, or a new experience for your family. This Silent Auction has all kinds of items to bid on, from a My Spy birdhouse to a hand crafted curly maple pen, a couple nights in a cabin, a watercolor painting, and an entire kayak package. Money raised goes to support the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program and Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network. Items range in value from $10 to $650 and more items are being added. CASH OR CHECK ONLY!

Paddle home with this 9ft Dagger Zydeco kayak complete with a Werner paddle and MTI life vest. Thanks to Rutabaga Paddlesports!

Many items will be available, including:

• Cutting boards and hand made dice made from urban wood • Home compost bin • Visual art including a watercolor painting and nature photography • 10 x 42 Crossfire binoculars • Maple syrup • Hand knit shawl/scarf, an upcycled messenger bag, dragonfly plate • Gift certificates for the Willy Street Co-op, Burnie’s Rock Shop, and more • Yoga session • Dog basket and a pet massage • 55 gallon rain barrel with diverter kit • Tickets to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival • Tour of Frank Lloyd Wrights’s Taliesen • A two night stay at a cabin up north at Hunt Hill • An analysis of your drinking water • 60X microscope magnifier for smartphones • Memberships to the International Crane Foundation, the Aldo Leopold Foundation, Valley Stewardship Network, or

Olbrich Botanical Gardens • Books and gift baskets

We thank these organizations, businesses, and individuals for their donations:

Organizations: Beaver Creek Reserve, Valley Stewardship Network, Waukesha County Parks & Land, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Madison Friends of Urban Nature, Cable Natural History Museum, Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Taliesen Preservation Inc, Kemp Natural Resources Station, Aldo Leopold Foundation, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Wisconsin Urban Wood, UWSP Water & Environmental Analysis Lab

Businesses: Rutabaga Paddlesports, Vortex Optics, Excel Energy, MG&E, Mary Kay Neumann Art, Yenti Eilertson Photography, Burnie’s Rock Shop, Bad Dog Frida, Peaceful Pet, Chequamegon Adventure Company, Rockhound Brewing Company Individuals: Claudia Haack, Connie Jo Zwettler, Kay Gunning, Michael Mucha

March 22-24, 2018

Featuring a Keynote Address from Julia Robson, Milwaukee County Parks: A Ripple Effect: Ephemeral Ponds to the Great Lakes, a Tale of Conservation

Julia Robson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Conservation and Environmental Sciences Program who currently works as the Assistant Natural Areas Coordinator for the Milwaukee County Parks Department. In 2017, Julia was awarded the Public Policy Forum’s Jean B. Tyler Leader of the Future Award for her efforts with the Parks Department, including developing the award-winning Citizen-based Wetland Monitoring Program. Julia’s passion for environmental conservation and fostering community-based stewardship initiatives all began with her roots as a volunteer. In the fall of 2017, she took her experience as an ecologist, educator, and advocate to an entirely new level. She and a colleague embarked on a 343-mile walk across Wisconsin, from Milwaukee to Lake Superior, to raise awareness for Great Lakes and freshwater conservation. This “Walk to Sustain Our Great Lakes” raised nearly $10,000 for environmental non-profits in the Great Lakes basin and garnered local, statewide, and national news media coverage. Julia strongly believes that volunteers have an evolving role to play in bridging the ever-growing divide between people and environmental conservation. Her story of her own volunteerism and growth as a conservationist is testament to the fact that the impacts of just one individual can be far-reaching and help inspire change.

Awards and Recognition — Friday Evening

Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Program

The Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network will be announcing awards for:

• Citizen-based Monitoring Program of the Year

• Outstanding Achievement in Citizen-based Monitoring

• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Citizen-based Monitoring

• David N. Redell Award for Lifetime Achievement in Citizen-based Monitoring

Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program

The very first awards of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program will be given to an Outstanding Master Naturalist Volunteer, Outstanding Volunteer Project and Outstanding Master Naturalist Instructor. We will also be giving recognition pins to volunteers who have completed their volunteer and training requirements in 2017 and who reached significant service hour milestones. Recognition pins will be mailed to those who are unable to make it to the Summit. Help us to thank all of the hard working volunteers and instructors who make this program a success!

Thursday Schedule

Workshops, Field Trips, and Trainings: To participate in a workshop, field trip, or training, you must select it during registration. Space is limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through the reg-istration portal. Participants must provide their own transportation to off-site programming. You may partic-ipate in more than one workshop, field trip, or training, but please check the schedule to ensure that your choices don’t overlap. If you are attending a campus or Beaver Creek Reserve event on Thursday, you do not need to check-in for the conference at the Lismore Hotel first.

Thursday, March 22—Schedule of Events*

Lismore Hotel

(registration open Noon to 5:00pm– Wilson B)

UW - Eau

Claire Beaver Creek Reserve

8:00 AM Wilson A Wilson D Wilson E Wilson F Bird Banding (8:00am –10:30am)

1:00 PM

Monarch

Larva

Monitoring

Project

Snapshot

Wisconsin WI

Breeding

Bird Atlas Watershed

Game

Bird Museum

& Greenhouse

Tour

Beaver Creek

Reserve tour and

Interpretive

Program Water

Action

Volunteers

(WAV)

Rare Plant

Monitoring

Program

3:00 PM BREAK BREAK

3:30 PM

Zooniverse

WI Frog &

Toad

Survey

Winter

Tree ID

Planting

Natives for

Pollinators

5:30 PM

6:30 PM WAV -

SWIMS

optional

evening

* A snack break will be held mid-afternoon on

Thursday at the Lismore Hotel and Beaver

Creek Reserve.

March 22-24, 2018

Thursday, March 22

Title Time Location

Bird Banding 8:00-10:30am Beaver Creek Reserve

UW Eau Claire Bird Museum and Greenhouse Tour 1:00-2:30pm UW-Eau Claire

Snapshot Wisconsin 1:00-3:00pm Lismore Hotel

Beaver Creek Tour and Live Animal Interpretive Talk 1:00-3:00pm Beaver Creek Reserve

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas Training 1:00-3:30pm Lismore Hotel

Monarch Larva Monitoring Program Training 1:00-5:00pm Lismore Hotel

The Watershed Game 1:00-5:00pm Lismore Hotel

Rare Plant Monitoring Project Training 1:00-5:00pm Beaver Creek Reserve

“Basic Training” for Water Action Volunteer (WAV)

Training 1:00-5:00pm, 6:30-8:00pm

Beaver Creek Reserve,

then Lismore Hotel

Zooniverse Training 3:30-5:30pm Lismore Hotel

Wisconsin Frog & Toad Survey Training 3:30-5:30pm Lismore Hotel

Winter Tree Identification 3:30-5:00pm Beaver Creek Reserve

Planting Natives for Pollinators 3:30-5:00pm Beaver Creek Reserve

Thursday Workshop, Training, and Field Trip Overview

Time Title Training and Workshop Descriptions Thursday

Beaver Creek Reserve

8:30-10:30 AM

Bird Banding Demonstration

Join the Beaver Creek bird banders for a bird banding demonstration. This is a great opportunity to see some of the birds that visit feeders and migrate through the area up close and personal. Learn about bird identification, bird behavior and why we band them. Join us. Provided by Beaver Creek Reserve.

Thursday

UW-Eau Claire

1:00-2:30 PM

James Newman Clark Bird Museum and the Biology Greenhouse Tour

Tour of the James Newman Clark Bird Museum and of the Biology Greenhouse. The Clark Museum is a small, locally historical museum filled with bird specimens collected by James N. Clark who had a farm in Meridean, about 20 miles southeast of Eau Claire. The greenhouse includes a collection of tropical and succulent plants used in biology classes. Provided by UW-Eau Claire.

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

1:00-3:00 PM

Snapshot Wisconsin

The Snapshot Wisconsin training covers how to host a Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera. Participants should signup ahead of time at www.snapshotwisignup.org and include in the comments that they are attending the Summit. Participants will be provided all of the equipment and information needed to participate in Snapshot Wisconsin as a trail camera host. More information about our project can be found at dnr.wi.gov keyword: Snapshot Wisconsin. Provided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Thursday


1:00-3:00 PM

Beaver Creek Reserve Tour and Interpretive Program

A tour of the Beaver Creek Reserve’s nature center and facilities, followed by an instructive interpretive program using a live animal like a snake. Program will provide hints and tips on presenting with live animals along with natural history information. Provided by Beaver Creek Reserve.

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

1:00-3:30 PM

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas Training

Learn how to get involved with the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas! This citizen science project seeks to map the distribution and abundance of birds breeding across Wisconsin and we have only 2 years left to do it! We will start with an overview of the atlas project, and then do some hands-on practice data entry. You don't have to be a bird expert to contribute important records. Bring your laptop! Provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

http://www.snapshotwisignup.org

dnr.wi.gov

Time Title Training and Workshop Descriptions

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

1:00-5:00 PM

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Training

The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project collects long-term data on larval monarch populations and milkweed habitat. These data contribute to our understanding of how and why monarch populations vary in time and space. In this workshop, you'll learn more about monarch biology and gain hands on practice with data collection (to the extent we can with no milkweed in March!) and reporting data. Help scientists gather data that will help inform conservation decisions for monarch habitat and advance our understanding of butterfly ecology in general. Provided by University of Minnesota Monarch Lab.

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

1:00-5:00 PM

The Watershed Game

The Watershed Game is an interactive, educational tool that helps individuals understand the connection between land use and water quality. Participants learn how a variety of land uses impact water and natural resources, increase their knowledge of best management practices, and learn how their choices can prevent adverse impacts. Participants apply the tools of plans, practices, and policies that help them achieve clean water goals for protection and restoration while providing for community growth. The Watershed Game was developed by the Minnesota Sea Grant and Minnesota Extension. This training will introduce you to The Watershed Game, allow you to play a game and demonstrate ways to start on the path to utilizing The Watershed Game with youth and adult audiences. Provided by Master Naturalist Volunteers.

Thursday

(BCR)

1:00-5:00 PM

Rare Plant Monitoring Program Training

This is a training session for the Rare Plant Monitoring Program, a collaboration between the WI DNR and citizen scientists. The Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program gives plant enthusiasts an opportunity to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state. The information these volunteers collect is used to assess plant population trends during state and national conservation efforts. Program participants are trained in surveying techniques, including how to accurately estimate large plant populations, assess habitat condition, and use GPS coordinates to locate and mark rare plant populations. Plant identification training will not be provided. Provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Thursday

(BCR)

1:00-5:00 PM, 6:30-8:00 PM

"Basic Training" for Water Action Volunteers

"Basic Training" for Water Action Volunteers (WAV) citizen stream monitoring program. This will be a slightly improvised (depending on weather) version of our usual 5.5 hr field training. If time and weather permit, we will go to the stream, but if not, it will be completed indoors. Equipment will be provided for the training and available for loan so that all attendees will leave the session ready to be an active Water Action Volunteer for the 2018 season. If there is interest, an additional classroom session will be held after dinner Thursday (approx 6:30-8:00) at the Lismore Hotel for participants to become familiar with WAV data entry procedures. Provided by UW-Extension Water Action Volunteers.

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

3:30-5:30 PM

Zooniverse

The first part of this workshop will introduce Zooniverse, which is a citizen science online platform that hosts many projects, including Snapshot Wisconsin. The second half of the workshop will be a Snap-A-Thon where participants will classify wildlife photos from Snapshot Wisconsin trail cameras across the state. Participants wishing to participate in the Snap-A-Thon should bring their own device such as a laptop or tablet to access the site. Provided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Thursday

Lismore Hotel

3:30-5:30 PM

WI Frog & Toad Survey Training

The Wisconsin Frog & Toad Survey (WFTS) is a citizen-based monitoring program coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The primary purpose of the WFTS is to determine the status, distribution, and long-term population trends of Wisconsin’s twelve frog species. This training will cover the types of survey opportunities that are available, as well as, species identification, survey protocols, survey results, and current issues impacting frogs. Provided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Thursday

(BCR)

3:30-5:00 PM

Planting Natives for Pollinators

Planting Natives for Pollinators There will be a discussion of advantages of planting native plants and those most beneficial to pollinators. This will be followed by a tour of the seeding room and greenhouse where we will demonstrate methods of planting native plants. Each participant will be able to transplant a native plant to take with him or her. Provided by Beaver Creek Reserve.

Thursday

(BCR)

3:30-5:00 PM

Winter Tree Identification

Learn the ABCs of Winter Tree Identification with Naturalist Emily Stone. The colors, shapes, smells, and other details of twigs and buds are even more reliable for identification than leaves. In this workshop you'll learn what to look for and get hands-on practice both indoors and outdoors. You will look at winter in a whole new way! Provided by Cable Natural History Museum.

March 22-24, 2018

Friday Schedule

8:00 AM Registration (8:00am-5:00pm)-Wilson B

9:00 AM Welcome — Dr. Karl Martin, UW Extension and Dan Baumann, Wisconsin DNR– Richmond Hall

9:40 AM Keynote Speaker — Julia Robson, Milwaukee County Parks– Richmond Hall

10:40 AM Break—Wilson B

Wilson A Wilson F Workshops Wilson D/E

11:00 AM Tree Inventories for Management and Ecosystem Assessments; D. Buckler, T. Shucha

Stories of State Natural Area Volunteer Groups: Lessons Learned; J. Urban, Z. Kastern

Stories in

Nature;

E. Stone

11:20 AM Bumble Bee Monitoring In Wisconsin- A New Volunteer Opportunity; J. Watson, E. Lewandowski

Connecting People to Wisconsin's Natural Heritage: The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin; C. Williamson

11:40 AM Citizen-based Monitoring in Wisconsin- Over a Century of Achievements; E. Lewandowski

Urban Odonate Monitoring Through Community Science; A. Graf

12:00 PM Lunch– Richmond Hall

1:00 PM

SPARK! An interactive nature-based program for memory challenged participants and their care partners at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; J. Rutten

Integrating Wisconsin Master Naturalist graduates into volunteer positions; S. Eiler

Driven to

Discover;

A. Lorek Strauss

1:20 PM Volunteer Led Reopening of the Jordan Park Nature Center; P. Doxsee

Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program; A. Badje

1:40 PM Impacts of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program; B. Sapper

Improving Invasive Species Management with Citizen Science: Case Studies from the Wisconsin First Detector Network; A. Pearce

2:00 PM Break– Wilson B

2:20 PM

Bog Guardians: A Volunteer Program to Keep Invasive Plants Out of the Cedarburg Bog and Surrounding State Natural Areas; J. Beaupre, J. Ellis

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) - Citizen Science in Action for Wisconsin; M. Margraf

Addressing

Controversial

Issues;

A. Lorek Strauss

2:40 PM Fun Nature Optics and Apps on a Budget; P. Noeldner

Puke, Poop and DORs: Utilizing the Underappreciated Parts to Study the Ecology of Snakes; J. Ray

3:00 PM TU CARES - A Trout Unlimited volunteer based program in the Central Region of Wisconsin; T.Lager

LakeForecast.org: All Eyes on Lake Water Quality; K. Nicholas

3:20 PM Rare Plant Monitoring: Collaborating with Citizen Scientists to Collect Sensitive Data; K. Doyle

The Call of the Frog; B. Johnston

3:40 PM

4:00 PM

Poster Session– Wilson B

5:30 PM Dinner, Silent Auction, Awards, Social– Richmond Hall

Workshops and Trainings: To participate in a workshop or training, you must select it during registration. Space is limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through the registration portal. Participants must provide their own transportation to off-site programming. You may participate in more than one workshop, field trip, or training, but please check the schedule to ensure that your choices don’t overlap. Friday workshops and trainings will be held at the Lismore Hotel.

Friday Workshop and Training Overview


Friday 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Finding the

Stories in Nature

Finding the Stories in Nature As a naturalist, author, and educator who also loves reading, Emily is always on the lookout for the stories present in our natural observations. These stories can make even the most mundane natural objects come alive for any audience! From goldenrod galls, to leaves chewed by leaf miners, micro-hikes, microbes, and more, nature holds exciting adventures for those who know how to look. Provided by Cable Natural History Museum.

Friday 1:00-2:00 PM

Driven to Discover

Interested in engaging youth in citizen science? This Driven to Discover session will describe an innovative new program developed in Minnesota that helps volunteers work with youth, ages 10-16, to conduct original scientific research by starting them out with citizen science projects. Suitable for use with any citizen science project, this project will help you coach youth to build science skills, contribute to citizen science and complete their own research project. Session participants will learn about the curricular resources and program structures that support these activities which are suitable for formal classrooms and/or afterschool nonformal settings. We will demonstrate a few sample activities and provide resources to get you started with this program. Participants are encouraged to download a copy of the free curriculum available at extension.umn.edu/citizenscience. Provided by the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program.

Friday 2:20-4:20 PM

Addressing Controversial Issues in Master Naturalist teaching (open to Master Naturalist instructors and other interested environmental educators)

Teaching about natural resource topics often raises controversial issues. How instructors handle these issues can either create a compelling educational experience or leave audiences feeling confused, disillusioned, and cynical. Often, it would be easier to avoid controversies altogether, but to do so would fall short a valuable opportunity to help participants effectively engage with natural resource issues and proactively contribute to collaborative solutions.

This presentation will discuss approaches to addressing controversial issues at both the organizational and the instructional levels with an aim to prevent (when possible) and defuse (when necessary) contentious situations. Through group discussion and reflection exercises, participants will (1) analyze controversial issues with new perspectives, (2) consider how personal beliefs and values color even the most conscientious person’s ability to be objective and (3) learn to prevent and respond to contentious teaching situations. Provided by the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program.

March 22-24, 2018

Friday Oral Presentations

Volunteer Programs & Opportunities Time

Stories of State Natural Area Volunteer Groups: Lessons Learned; J. Urban, Z. Kastern 11:00 AM

Bumble Bee Monitoring In Wisconsin - A New Volunteer Opportunity; J. Watson, E. Lewandowski 11:20 AM

Citizen-based Monitoring in Wisconsin- Over a Century of Achievements; E. Lewandowski 11:40 AM

Integrating Wisconsin Master Naturalist graduates into volunteer positions; S. Eiler 1:00 PM

Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program; A. Badje 1:20 PM

Impacts of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program; B. Sapper 1:40 PM

Improving Invasive Species Management with Citizen Science: Case Studies from the Wisconsin First Detector Network; A. Pearce 1:40 PM

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) - Citizen Science in Action for Wisconsin Natural Resource Volunteers; M.Margraf 2:20 PM

Bog Guardians: A Volunteer Program to Keep Invasive Plants Out of the Cedarburg Bog and Surrounding State Natural Areas; J. Beaupre', J. Ellis

2:20 PM

TU CARES - A Trout Unlimited Volunteer Based Program in the Central Region of Wisconsin; T.Lager 3:00 PM

Building Partnerships & Embracing Diversity

Connecting People to Wisconsin's Natural Heritage: The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin; C. Williamson 11:20 AM

SPARK! An Interactive Nature-based Program for Memory Challenged Participants and Their Care Partners at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; J. Rutten 1:00 PM

Volunteer Led Reopening of the Jordan Park Nature Center; P. Doxsee 1:20 PM

Natural History & Research

Urban Odonate Monitoring Through Community Science; A. Graf 11:40 AM

Puke, Poop and DORs: Utilizing the Underappreciated Parts to Study the Ecology of Snakes; J. Ray 2:40 PM

LakeForecast.org: All Eyes on Lake Water Quality; K. Nicholas

3:00 PM

Rare Plant Monitoring: Collaborating with Citizen Scientists to Collect Sensitive Data; K. Doyle 3:20 PM

The Call of the Frog; B. Johnston 3:20 PM

Resources & Tools

Tree Inventories for Management and Ecosystem Assessment; D. Buckler, T. Shucha 11:00 AM

Fun Nature Optics and Apps on a Budget; P. Noeldner 2:40 PM

Friday Poster Presentations

Posters will be available for viewing throughout the day on Friday, and the Poster Session will be held

4:00-5:30pm Friday afternoon.

A FUN Approach to Nature Education for Families and Kids; Noeldner P1,2,3; 1Madison Fun Volunteer Program

Coordinator, 2Madison Parks Liaison with Friends and Environmental Groups, 3Board Member of Madison Area Friends Groups

Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast: A Community Conservation Project; Pyke A; Door County Land Trust

Cavity Nesting Bird Box Installation and Monitoring Efforts throughout Ozaukee County; Struck A, Kroening K;

Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department

Citizen-based monitoring informs bumble bee conservation; Carpenter S, Herrick B; UW-Madison Arboretum

Citizen Science at the North Lakeland Discovery Center; McDonnell A, Heald E, Johnson L; North Lakeland Discovery

Center

Fish and Wildlife Monitoring in Ozaukee County; Kroening K, Struck A; Ozaukee Co. Planning and Parks Dept.

Increasing the Exposure to Citizen Science within the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program; Sapper B1, Cuneo

R2, Newenhouse A2; 1UW-Extension, 2UW-Madison

Milwaukee County Parks Citizen-based Wetland Monitoring Program; Robson J; Milwaukee County Parks

Recruiting Volunteers for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II; Mueller W; Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, WGLBBO

Success in Launching a Master Naturalist Program - Wisconsin's Early Years; Sapper B1, Martin M2, Newenhouse

A2; 1UW-Extension, 2UW-Madison

The Annual Midwest Crane Count: Preparing for the next 40 years; Hall P, Gavney Moore S, Moore D; International

Crane Foundation

The Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network; Lewandowski E; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Tracking the Impacts of Bat White-nose Syndrome in Wisconsin with Citizen Scientists; Kaarakka H, White J;

Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey; Paloski R, Badje A, Bergeson T; Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources

Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program; Weinzinger J; Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources

March 22-24, 2018

Friday Oral Abstracts

Tree Inventories for Management and Ecosystem Assessments (11:00 AM) Buckler D1, Shucha T2; 1Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2Waunakee High School

Tree inventories are surveys of trees that are used to track management activities and to anticipate future problems. They can also be used to estimate ecosystem benefits of trees, such as energy conservation, stormwater reduction and air quality improvements. With the use of smart phone applications, arborists, educators and forest managers can compile tree data and have it incorporated into the DNR’s Wisconsin Community Tree Map, a tool to visualize, query and assess the value of community trees. Though usually pursued for municipalities, the DNR and Waunakee High School (Dane County) will show how tree inventories can be integrated into a classroom, providing not only an educational experience, but useful information for a school or similar institution.

Stories of State Natural Area Volunteer Groups: Lessons Learned (11:00 AM) Urban J, Kastern Z; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources State Natural Areas (SNAs) are outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s native plant communities. The SNA volunteer program began as an experimental approach to care for DNR-managed SNAs by engaging interested citizens in 2011. It has grown to impact over 40 sites across the state in 2017. Several stories of the formation and experiences of successful volunteer groups will be shared. They highlight lessons learned including- leading a good workday, utilizing conservation groups, and establishing a base.

Bumble Bee Monitoring in Wisconsin- A New Volunteer Opportunity (11:20 AM) Watson J, Lewandowski E; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The widespread decline of pollinator species worldwide, coupled with the recent federal listing of the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis), has focused the attention of members of the public and natural resources professionals on protecting Wisconsin’s bumble bees. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a long and successful history of partnering with the public through citizen-based monitoring projects to gather information on rare species. There is a need for a systematic, long-term monitoring scheme that could be used to monitor the distribution and abundance of bumble bees across the Wisconsin, and DNR is excited to be piloting a brand new bumble bee citizen-based monitoring project this spring. Learn about this new opportunity and how you can get involved!

Connecting People to Wisconsin's Natural Heritage: The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (11:20 AM) Williamson C; Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Our mission at the Natural Resources Foundation is to provide sustainable funding for Wisconsin’s most imperiled species and public lands, while connecting generations to the wonders of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement and giving. By providing hands-on field experiences and other ways to connect to nature such as citizen science, learning opportunities, and communications, we are instilling an appreciation for our lands, waters, and wildlife across Wisconsin. Our signature Field Trip Program offers 200 trips each year, engaging thousands of people in hands-on learning opportunities, while our Great Wisconsin Birdathon engages families and communities in citizen science while fundraising for bird conservation. By sharing stories and demonstrating measurable impact, this presentation will highlight how individuals, families, communities, and organizations can connect with NRF to engage with Wisconsin's natural resources, and make a deep impact on the health of Wisconsin's natural wonders.


Citizen-based Monitoring in Wisconsin: Over a Century of Achievements (11:40 AM) Lewandowski E; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of volunteer involvement in monitoring plants, animals, and habitats, going back as far as the first Christmas Bird Count in 1900. More than a century of collaboration between the public and professional scientists and land mangers led to the 2004 creation of the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring (WCBM) Network. This statewide stakeholder collaboration works to improve Wisconsin's volunteer natural resource monitoring efforts by offering communications, resources, and recognition. We’ll discuss the history of Wisconsin citizen-based monitoring and the WCBM Network, the current role of Wisconsin citizen science, recent achievements, and what’s on the horizon.

Urban Odonate Monitoring Through Community Science (11:40 AM) Graf A; Urban Ecology Center

The Urban Ecology Center’s Research and Community Science department strives to serve as a meaningful bridge between academic research and the community-at-large. With over 25 monitoring and research projects in the balance, the department is often challenged to meet the research interests of the organization, partners, and community members, while continuing to expand in scope. Our case study will discuss the evolution of one of our newer citizen science projects—odonate surveys. This niche project began on a whim and grew into one of our most unique and unexpectedly beloved projects. We will discuss the obstacles and challenges we’ve faced, the surprises we’ve met, and the goals we’ve identified to nurture this project into the future.

SPARK! An Interactive Nature-based Program for Memory Challenged Participants and Their Care Partners at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1:00 PM) Rutten J; Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

The Spark! at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center presentation will highlight our fantastic free education program that is designed for both people experiencing cognitive changes such as memory loss, as well as their caregivers and care partners. Led by our Director of Education and dedicated volunteers each month it is devoted to learning about the simple beauty found in nature and how it enriches our lives. Our programs are closely partnered with the local Alzheimer Association and local memory care facilities. Our programs are designed for inside and outside interactions, time spent bonding with our preschool friends and always an activity to create something they can take home. The effort these participants take to prepare, load into vans and join us speaks volumes. To be a small part of making their month happier and building their esteem for both the participant and sometimes exhausted care giver is beyond words.

Integrating Wisconsin Master Naturalist Graduates into Volunteer Positions (1:00 PM)

Eiler S; Friends Of Hartman Creek State Park The energy and enthusiasm of graduates is boundless, but then may be quickly followed by "what now?" For those who do not have a specific organization ready to envelope them, there can be a sense of being overwhelmed and set adrift. It is here that Friends groups provide a bridge of gentle, inclusive integration. The Friends of Hartman Creek State Park have been immeasurably enriched with several graduates now board members, contributing to newsletters, providing naturalist programs at gatherings, trail and canoe hike monitors for our summer WIMN class and serving as docent at our historic log cabin. A further goal is to train graduates in "micro-interpretation" where a topic of their choice would be explored and then presented to groups or visitors for only a short time. Mentoring is a vital component to assure and ensure WIMN graduates feel confident to engage in interpretation, citizen science and stewardship.

March 22-24, 2018


Volunteer Led Reopening of the Jordan Park Nature Center (1:20 PM) Doxsee P; Wisconsin Master Naturalist

Initially opened in 1965, the Jordan Park Nature Center is located in Jordan Park a facility of the Portage County Park System. Due to funding issues, the Nature Center was closed to the Public in 2010. In May 2015 newly certified WI Master Naturalist Volunteer, Paul Doxsee, successfully approached the Portage County Parks Director and got approval to reopen the Nature Center with a small team of Master Naturalist Volunteers. After 3 years of operation, the Nature Center has operated each summer hosting campers and other visitors. In addition, the Nature Center has become a site for public education about Citizen Science activities including: Cerceris Wasp Surveys, Odonata River Surveys and invasive species identification and treatment. This presentation will be a summary of this journey including collaborative efforts with UWSP professors on Jordan Park archaeological records and the Highway 66 turtle crossing tunnel.

Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program (1:20 PM) Badje A; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program was initiated to catalogue existing turtle crossing (i.e., roads and railroads) locations throughout the state, so that road agencies, maintenance crews, and citizen conservationists can work together to make passages safer for turtles and other wildlife. As this program is still in its infancy, this presentation will describe the achievements to date and show where the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources plans to take the program in future years. See how easy it is to volunteer for the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program, and learn how your contributions can conserve turtles in Wisconsin.

Impacts of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program (1:40 PM) Sapper B1, Martin M2, Newenhouse A2; 1UW-Extension, 2UW-Madison

Learn about the impacts and influence of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program. The Volunteer Training Course provides 40 hours of coursework in geology, ecology, wildlife, plant communities, water, aquatic life, human influences, and volunteerism. This course combines field experiences with classroom instruction taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Using a train-the-trainer model, the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program teaches instructors from partner organizations, and these instructors offer the volunteer courses throughout the year at their organizations statewide. After the training, individuals who volunteer 40 hours each year and take eight hours of additional training maintain their certification as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer and receive a recognition pin. Volunteers provide service for organizations involved in Wisconsin’s natural resources in education, citizen science, and stewardship. Hours served are reported by the volunteers through the Wisconsin Master Naturalist website, www.wimasternaturalist.org. Partnering organizations have expressed confidence that the Master Naturalist training equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on conservation projects, lead educational programs and provide enriched experiences to visitors.

Improving Invasive Species Management with Citizen Science: Case Studies from the Wisconsin First Detector Network (1:40 PM) Pearce A; UW-Madison

Invasive species continue to spread across Wisconsin and pose threats to the environment, economy, and human health. Effective management of invasive species depends on early detection of new infestations and information about existing infestations. However, most land managers lack the time and resources needed to adequately monitor invasive species. Since 2014, the Wisconsin First Detector Network (WIFDN) has sought to improve invasive species monitoring across the state by training volunteer citizen scientists to identify and report invasive species. This presentation will highlight projects around the state using WIFDN’s citizen science tools, such as monitoring in Dane County Parks, roadside surveys by Master Gardeners in St. Croix County, and private land surveys in the Kickapoo Valley. It will also cover resources available to you/your organization to benefit from WIFDN’s tools and support. Bog Guardians: A Volunteer Program to Keep Invasive Plants Out of the Cedarburg Bog and Surrounding State Natural Areas (2:20 PM) Beaupre' J, Ellis J; Friends of the Cedarburg Bog

With funding from the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and the WI DNR-Citizen Based Monitoring Program, the Friends of the Cedarburg Bog have initiated a new program, The Bog Guardian Program. This program is designed to stop the advance of invasive plants, such as teasel and wild parsnip before they reach the Bog, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station and nearby State Natural areas. Volunteers, called Bog Guardians, have begun the work of surveying 61 miles of roads in a 28 square mile target area to locate, eradicate and monitor invasive plants. Local road/highway departments as well as land owners and businesses in the target area have been contacted for ongoing support and cooperation in stopping the spread of invasive plants. This presentation will outline the program's strategy for monitoring invasive plants and initial survey results. The challenges faced in accomplishing the program's vision of establishing a sustainable community supported volunteer effort to protect biodiversity in the wetland gem that is the Cedarburg Bog will also be discussed.

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) - Citizen Science in Action for Wisconsin Natural Resource Volunteers (2:20 PM) Margraf M; National Weather Service

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a successful citizen-science network where thousands of volunteers nationwide actively measure and track precipitation, submitting data to the website http://www.cocorahs.org. As a community outreach program, volunteers are motivated to provide high quality data, knowing it is important to a broad range of users including local citizens, businesses, and government agencies at the local, state, and national level. As an example, CoCoRaHS data are extremely valuable to the National Weather Service, and are used in daily operations including weather and river forecasting, storm reports, and climate summaries. Session attendees will learn who uses these data, how they are used, and will also receive hands-on instructions on how they can measure and report precipitation for CoCoRaHS.

March 22-24, 2018


Fun Nature Optics and Apps on a Budget (2:40 PM)

Noeldner P1,2,3; 1Madison Fun Volunteer Program Coordinator, 2Madison Parks Liaison with Friends and Environmental Groups, 3Board Member of Madison Area Friends Groups

Kids these days are right at home with electronics and smartphones. Can we use these tools to engage kids in nature outings, rather than just make them put them away? Get a quick overview of some inexpensive Nature Optics and Apps that have proven to be popular with kids - and adults - on hundreds of Bird and Nature Outings. Learn about pocket LED Loupes under $5, USB Microscopes and Endoscopes under $15, Sonic Scopes around $30, great kids binoculars under $40, and simple smartphone Apps that are fun for kids to use to identify birds, tracks, flowers and trees - some by taking pictures! - and even reporting citizen science data. Low cost, light weight and ease of use are important for naturalists and citizen scientists on a budget for tools you can carry along and use regularly on outings. These attributes also help participants in bird and nature outings feel comfortable using them - and families can afford to get them for their budding birders and naturalist kids! Stop by the Madison FUN table and Nature Optics display to play with some of these tools hands-on and learn more about them.

Puke, Poop and DORs: Utilizing the Underappreciated Parts to Study the Ecology of Snakes (2:40 PM) Ray J; Winter School District

For almost two decades I have studied the ecology of snakes both in the temperate and tropical regions of the New World, in part by utilizing regurgitations, fecal material and snakes found dead on the road. Much can be learned from these deemed “gross” portions of an already relatively disliked organism. Through these methods I have documented the change in diet in a federally threatened snake and aided in the delisting of the subspecies. I also discovered a new main dietary source for the Neotropical snailsucker snakes. Moreover, I have collected nearly 1000 specimens of dead-on-road snakes, which has led to the publication of a variety of natural history notes, in addition to several other exciting discoveries, including a new species. Utilizing the portions of snakes that are left behind allows for much to be learned about these elusive organisms that still drastically remain understudied. TU CARES - A Trout Unlimited volunteer based program in the Central Region of Wisconsin (3:00 PM) Lager T; Fox Valley Trout Unlimited

In 2016, four Trout Unlimited Chapters, collaborating with departments of the Wisconsin DNR, formed a regional initiative protecting, restoring and reducing decline in habitat quality for fish, and restoring maintenance to projects completed over the last 40-50 years in Wisconsin’s Central Sand Hills Ecoregion. Our first project is an assessment and implementation of improvements to the West Branch of the White River to demonstrate the possibilities achievable across the region. During the 2017 field season, the watershed’s biological and physical features were assessed via Water Action Volunteers - stream monitoring and assessments of trout and macroinvertebrate populations, stream crossing and stream habitat. Analysis of field work identified our future work: study and reverse the rainbow trout population decline, remove in-stream barriers to fish migration, initiate level two water monitoring and plan for old habitat structure repair. Steps to publicize the TU CARES initiative and fund raise to finance work are progressing.


LakeForecast.org: All Eyes on Lake Water Quality (3:00 PM) Nicholas K; Clean Lakes Alliance

Lakes are dynamic and complex, and conditions can change rapidly in both time and space. This is particularly true in nearshore areas where many people interact with our lakes. Although nearshore conditions are constantly fluctuating, lake monitoring has traditionally involved infrequent sampling at limited locations. Sharing results in an accessible and timely fashion has also proved difficult. Consequently, the public is largely unaware of these dynamics and how they influence beach conditions at any given time. This talk will challenge the audience to rethink the role of citizen monitoring including how it can be used to close current monitoring gaps and identify public health risks. The community impacts of our nearshore monitoring and how to make lake information instantly accessible to the public will be discussed. Rare Plant Monitoring: Collaborating with Citizen Scientists to Collect Sensitive Data (3:20 PM) Doyle K; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Citizen science projects focused on rare species present a unique set of challenges. The target plants and animals are hard to find, providing monitors with survey assignments is time consuming, and the data are sensitive. Still, the Rare Plant Monitoring Program is one of a growing number of citizen science projects around the country that strive to collect more information on rare plants. This talk will discuss approaches to addressing some of the obstacles associated with training volunteers, coordinating surveys, sharing sensitive data, and turning this information into conservation action.

The Call of the Frog (3:20 PM) Johnston B; Kickapoo Valley Reserve

This presentation is a crash course on the calls of Wisconsin’s frogs and toads. The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey monitors the status, distribution and long-term population trends of 11 frogs and the one toad in the state. The survey relies on volunteers to determine the presence/absence of frog species using the breeding call for identification, and to provide relative abundance through the call index. This presentation will provide phonetic pronunciations, imitations, and other mnemonic aids to help distinguish each of the calls. Attendees will leave with an appreciation for the noisy amphibians of Wisconsin.

March 22-24, 2018


Friday Poster Abstracts

A FUN Approach to Nature Education for Families and Kids Noeldner P1,2,3; 1Madison Fun Volunteer Program Coordinator, 2Madison Parks Liaison with Friends and Environmental Groups, 3Board Member of Madison Area Friends Groups

Madison, Wisconsin is recognized as a National Leader in Connecting Children with Nature. Part of that success is FUN Friends of Urban Nature, an informal working partnership of Madison area Parks, School, Community Recreation, UW, Environmental and Friends groups with a shared common goal of connecting more families, kids, and minorities with nearby urban natural areas on a regular basis. Together we co-sponsor 100 free, family friendly regularly scheduled monthly outings in 8 parks and natural areas year-round. The FUN approach also helps facilitate after school Nature Explorers, Kids Summer Camp Nature Outings and activities beyond what partner groups can offer individually. While outings are sometimes led by Master Naturalists and topic experts we make it simple for anyone to be a leader. The main goal is having fun in nature. FUN co-sponsored Nature Recreation and Nature Education programs have demonstrated success in engaging families and kids and expanding participation for underserved audiences. This talk will help you understand the FUN approach to Connecting Kids with Nature and apply it in other programs and communities.

Bay Shore Blufflands Buckthorn Blast: A Community Conservation Project Pyke A; Door County Land Trust

Door County Land Trust, in partnership with Bay Shore Property Owners Association, began a multi-year restoration effort at the Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve. Bay Shore Blufflands protects 273 acres containing federally endangered plants, migratory bird nesting sites and high-quality wildlife habitat, and offers 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Summer 2017, Door County Land Trust hosted a community gathering to gain awareness and to educate the importance of invasive species control. The community gathering was followed by volunteer work parties to train volunteers to treat invasives and to start control efforts. A contractor began work in December 2017 and will continue work into 2018 and 2019. Community gatherings, volunteer work parties and community hikes are planned for 2018. The project is a pilot program for future community conservation efforts for Door County Land Trust. Funding for this project is provided by the Bay Shore Property Owners Association and Door County Land Trust with a Land Trust Excellence and Advancement Partnership grant from the Land Trust Alliance and Gathering Waters.


March 22-24, 2018

Cavity Nesting Bird Box Installation and Monitoring Efforts throughout Ozaukee County Struck A, Kroening K; Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department

The Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department (Department) has been installing and monitoring a variety of avian nest boxes throughout Ozaukee County-owned and co-managed lands in conjunction with several habitat improvements projects. Boxes have been installed specifically for American kestrels, eastern bluebirds and wood ducks and a tower was built for chimney swifts. These structures provide critical roosting and nesting habitat for cavity nesting birds as natural habitats and populations decline. Department staff with the assistance of citizen-volunteers have been monitoring the boxes and collecting data on species specific use of the boxes and nesting success. The nest box monitoring is complimented with additional bird-point count surveys that provide information on breeding and migratory bird species utilizing these habitat restoration project sites before and after habitat enhancement implementation. This monitoring provides a unique opportunity to engage the public and create awareness about the native local ecology and threats posed by habitat impacts. This poster will provide information about the Department’s bird box monitoring efforts, associated habitat restoration projects, citizen engagement, implementation successes and lesson learned.

Citizen Science at the North Lakeland Discovery Center McDonnell A, Heald E, Johnson L; North Lakeland Discovery Center

The North Lakeland Discovery Center (NLDC) coordinates a wide variety of citizen science monitoring projects ranging from wolf howling to monarch butterfly tagging. In this poster, we highlight just a few of our successful projects: acoustic bat monitoring, lake level monitoring, aquatic invasive species monitoring, picture posts, monarch tagging, and the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program. Aside from the scientific value of volunteer data collection, citizen monitoring also has an immeasurable intrinsic value of building a sense of stewardship between people and their study topic. It also often sparks interest in additional projects. These relationships synchronize with the NLDC’s mission of creating meaningful connections between people and nature.

Citizen-based Monitoring Informs Bumble Bee Conservation Carpenter S, Herrick B; UW-Madison Arboretum

Bumble bee conservation is an important priority in Wisconsin and beyond, but our knowledge of species distribution, habitat use, and phenology is often limited. This project expands citizen-based monitoring of southern Wisconsin bumble bees, including 12 species found at the UW–Madison Arboretum. Community volunteers, students, and staff conducted 80+ photo surveys on urban and rural sites, documenting bumble bee species presence and floral resources used. Additional 2016-17 findings include multiple records for rusty patched bumble bee, B. affinis, at the Arboretum; records of fall gynes; new B. affinis locations; and two new B. affinis floral hosts. We also documented a new Arboretum record for the imperiled yellow banded bumble bee, B. terricola. Our project also promotes pollinator and bumble bee conservation through training and supporting students and volunteers who conduct surveys in the region, and via extensive on-going public outreach—through group surveys, field trips, garden tours, and materials/activities.

Fish and Wildlife Monitoring in Ozaukee County Kroening K, Struck A; Ozaukee Co. Planning and Parks Dept.

The Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department (Department) - Ecological Division has implemented a comprehensive effort to restore aquatic habitat connectivity and improve the ecological function of existing riparian habitats in the Milwaukee River Watershed and Lake Michigan Basin. The Department has completed many aquatic connectivity projects including dam removals, a nature-like fishway and culvert replacements and is working on several large-scale restoration projects to convert channelized streams to more ecologically functional streams. Restoration includes stream remeandering, floodplain re-connection, wetland creation/re-connection, addition of habitat structures, native vegetation restoration, and invasive vegetation management. Pre and post restoration fish, avian, wildlife, and herptile monitoring activities play a valuable role in these ecologically-focused projects. These activities also support community education and engagement through volunteer monitoring opportunities. Citizen-volunteers assist in many ways including monitoring our underwater fishway camera at the Mequon-Thiensville dam online or assist in the field with electrofishing surveys. This poster highlights the types of monitoring efforts associated with Department-lead ecological projects, interesting findings, lessons learned, and how to get involved with citizen-based monitoring in Ozaukee County. Increasing the Exposure to Citizen Science within the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program Sapper B1, Cuneo R2, Newenhouse A2; 1UW-Extension, 2UW-Madison

In 2017 the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program made efforts to increase the exposure of citizen science within the program and, ultimately, increase Master Naturalist volunteer participation in citizen science projects statewide. Currently, there are more than 650 trained Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteers. 92% of those trained in 2016 indicated they were motivated to participate in citizen science. This project addresses volunteer’s need for information on citizen science and also addresses where to find opportunities throughout the state. It also benefits both current volunteers and future course participants. In addition, the project helps citizen science programs and their need to recruit citizen science volunteers. By promoting citizen science to Master Naturalist volunteers, this project provides a mechanism to increase volunteer service in citizen science.

Milwaukee County Parks Citizen-based Wetland Monitoring Program Robson J; Milwaukee County Parks

From 2008-2011, the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture’s (DPRC) Natural Areas Program worked to verify the presence of over 430 ephemeral wetland ecosystems within the Park System’s 10,000 acres of natural areas. These temporary wetlands serve as crucial breeding habitat for various species of unique, and often rare, wetland wildlife including salamanders, frogs, and primary burrowing crayfish. With limited staff time and resources, the DPRC looked towards employing the use of citizen-science in order to gain a better understanding of what wildlife species were utilizing these ephemeral wetlands throughout Milwaukee County’s very urban Park System. In 2014, the DPRC received funding to create a citizen-based wetland monitoring program, which resulted in the discovery of several rare amphibian populations, as well as the rarest crayfish in the state of Wisconsin. View our poster to learn how Milwaukee County Park’s award-winning Natural Areas Program utilized citizen-science to monitor wetland wildlife and learn more about our unique findings!



The Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network Lewandowski E; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring (WCBM) Network is a statewide stakeholder collaboration designed to improve Wisconsin's natural resource citizen science efforts by providing communications, resources, and recognition. Since 2004, the WCBM Network has offered volunteers, practitioners, educators, and others involved in citizen science opportunities for networking and resource sharing. It hosts conferences, offers funding and equipment lending opportunities, and promotes and encourages cross-promotion of projects and partner organizations. Learn about the history and accomplishments of the WCBM Network, what resources it offers, ongoing work, and how to get involved.

Tracking the Impacts of Bat White-nose Syndrome in Wisconsin with Citizen Scientists Kaarakka H, White J; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources White-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease found in bats, arrived in eastern North America in 2006. The disease quickly caused substantial mortalities in bat populations in many northeastern states before baseline inventories of bat populations were collected. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Wisconsin Bat Program (WBP) has been able to collect pre and post-WNS information using ultrasonic acoustic monitoring and summer roost surveys completed by volunteers. Since 2007, over 4,000 mobile acoustic surveys have been submitted from all 72 counties, and emergence surveys at known summer bat roosts of three different species have been completed at over 200 sites. After WNS first appeared in Wisconsin in 2014, both acoustic and summer roost surveys have shown declines in abundance and activity, particularly of the highly-affected little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Continued citizen-based monitoring using both survey techniques will help determine local management efforts, and identify bats surviving WNS infection which will be important for future conservation of species rapidly disappearing from the disease.

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey Paloski R, Badje A, Bergeson T; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey (WFTS) was created in 1981 in response to suspected declines in several Wisconsin frog species, primarily Blanchard’s cricket frogs, northern leopard frogs, pickerel frogs and American bullfrogs. The survey has now been in place for over 35 years and is one of the longest running amphibian monitoring programs in North America. The goal of the survey is to document the relative abundance and population trend of the state’s 12 frog species. The Department of Natural Resources coordinates the survey; however, the data are collected almost entirely by citizen scientists. Statewide survey results to date show a general decrease in several species, including the state endangered Blanchard’s cricket frog, northern leopard frog and pickerel frog. However, several habitat generalists, such as the American toad and chorus frog, appear to be relatively stable. In addition to standard surveys, the WFTS now also includes phenology surveys and, new in 2018, mink frog surveys in northern Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program Weinzinger J; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Citizen scientists of the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program have provided vital information contributing to the protection of freshwater mussels. Now, the program is implementing new monitoring strategies for volunteers to participate in mussel conservation. With the help of citizen scientists in Wisconsin, these efforts will provide much needed up-to-date information on mussel distribution and status on a statewide level. In addition, the volunteer-collected data will yield insight into water quality, while also contributing to conservation efforts from across the Midwest.

March 22-24, 2018


Recruiting Volunteers for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II Mueller W; Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, WGLBBO

The goal of our 2017 CBM-funded effort was to recruit volunteers for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. Our overall goal of recruiting and training volunteer participants in the 5-year Breeding Bird Atlas was accomplished by conducting three regional training workshops throughout the state during spring 2017. During fall and winter, 2016, our Atlas training team reached out to potential collaborators in three areas of Wisconsin where we planned to conduct Atlas workshops to recruit new volunteers. We found receptive parties with the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center (Vernon Co.), at the Rice Lake Public Library (Barron Co.), and at the Middleton Public Library (Dane Co.). A fourth regional workshop was conducted as part of the WSO Annual Convention in Carter (Forest Co.).

Success in Launching a Master Naturalist Program - Wisconsin's Early Years Sapper B1, Martin M2, Newenhouse A2; 1UW-Extension, 2UW-Madison

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Course provides 40 hours of coursework in geology, ecology, wildlife, plant communities, water, aquatic life, human influences, and volunteerism. This course combines field experiences with classroom instruction taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Using a train-the-trainer model, the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program teaches instructors from partner organizations, and these instructors offer the volunteer courses throughout the year at their organizations statewide. After the training, individuals who volunteer 40 hours each year and take eight hours of additional training maintain their certification as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer and receive a recognition pin. Volunteers provide service for organizations involved in Wisconsin’s natural resources in education, citizen science, and stewardship. Hours served are reported by the volunteers through the Wisconsin Master Naturalist website, www.wimasternaturalist.org. The program, launched in 2013, has had great success in the first five years and results from a rigorous evaluation program have shown that a vast majority of survey participants (92%) agree that the Volunteer Training Course met its objective.

The Annual Midwest Crane Count: Preparing for the Next 40 Years Hall P, Gavney Moore S, Moore D; International Crane Foundation

Since 1976, the Annual Midwest Crane Count has grown from a single-county survey to an effort that encompasses nearly 100 counties in Wisconsin and portions of surrounding states. The survey takes place on a designated day and time in mid-April. It was first established to gain a better understanding of the small, but growing, sandhill crane population in southcentral Wisconsin. Today, over 1,200 volunteers document the abundance, distribution and dispersal of cranes on the landscape, while promoting awareness of wetland and crane conservation. Through the support of the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network, we’ve hired a three-month intern to assist with standardizing our data storage, while also recruiting new volunteer County Coordinators in Wisconsin where gaps have developed over time. We will discuss the outcomes of the internship, sharing a summary of historic data and volunteer participation, along with lessons learned from over four decades of coordinating a citizen science project.

Saturday Schedule

7:30 AM Registration– Wilson B

Wilson A Wilson F

Workshops Wilson D

Workshops Wilson E

8:00 AM Fungal Foray Finds 470 Species in Northern Wisconsin; E. Stone

Bumble Bee Monitoring with Photography Serves Conservation Goals; S. Carpenter

8:20 AM Patterns in Nature: An Exploration into Form and Function; M. Farrior,

A. Dusick

Uncovering the effects of climate change on U.S. bird species with community science: Audubon’s Climate Watch program; B. Bateman

8:40 AM

People, People Everywhere: Dealing with the Challenges of Urban Ecology; J. Callaghan

Land Trusts: Partners for connecting with nature where you live; M. Domroese

9:00 AM Our Native Freshwater Mussels; L. Kitchel

Self-guided tour makes nature more accessible to those in need; C. Robinson,

C. Lewis

9:20 AM

The Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program: Conservation of freshwater mussel biodiversity through citizen-based monitoring; J. Weinzinger

Standing Rock to Wisconsin: Collaborative Partnerships & Indigenous Voices in Environmental Education; D. Moran Thundercloud, A.

Thundercloud

9:40 AM Volunteer Fair– Richmond Hall

10:40 AM Make and Take Crafts Encourage Continued Nature Exploration; C. Lilek

The Pike River WATERshed Project;

N. Carlson, L. Artiomow

Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring

Network P. Skawinski

Surface Water

Integrated Monitoring

System (SWIMS) database P. Compton

11:00 AM Saving Plum Island; J. Ringdahl

Exceptional Master Naturalist

Capstone Projects Create Positive

Community Building; C. Robinson

11:20 AM

Survival of Rehabilitated Red-

tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis);

J.Sandberg

Batting the Night Away; B. Johnston

11:40 AM

Monarch Citizen Science:

Research Armies for Science and

Conservation; K. Oberhauser

When a Volunteer Steers the Ship: A

grassroots approach to launching a

citizen science program; B. Marsicek

March 22-24, 2018

Workshops and Trainings: To participate in a workshop or training, you must select it during regis-tration. Space is limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through the regis-tration portal. Participants must provide their own transportation to off-site programming. You may participate in more than one workshop, field trip, or training, but please check the schedule to ensure that your choices don’t overlap. Friday workshops and trainings will be held at the Lismore Hotel.

Saturday Workshop and Training Overview


Saturday

10:40 AM-12:00 PM

Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

This training will provide an overview of the Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network and the opportunities it offers for volunteers. Participants will learn about the equipment and methods used to monitor physical, chemical, and biological parameters in lakes. Provided by University of Wisconsin Extension Lakes.

Saturday

10:40AM– 12:00 PM

Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database

This session will cover entering data into the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database, and will be especially useful to citizens who are part of the Water Action Volunteers stream monitoring program. Others will also find it interesting to see how data is entered, stored and can be viewed/used. Provided by UW-Extension Water Action

Saturday Oral Presentations

Volunteer Programs & Opportunities

Uncovering the Effects of Climate Change on U.S. Bird Species with Community Science:

Audubon’s Climate Watch program; B. Bateman 8:20 AM

Batting the Night Away; B. Johnston 11:20 AM

Monarch Citizen Science: Research Armies for Science and Conservation; K. Oberhauser 11:40 AM

Building Partnerships & Embracing Diversity

Land Trusts: Partners for Connecting with Nature Where You Live; M. Domroese 8:40 AM

People, People Everywhere: Dealing with the Challenges of Urban Ecology; J. Callaghan 8:40 AM

Self-guided Tour Makes Nature More Accessible to Those in Need; C. Robinson, C. Lewis 9:00 AM

Standing Rock to Wisconsin: Collaborative Partnerships & Indigenous Voices in Environmental Education; D. Moran Thundercloud, A. Thundercloud 9:20 AM

The Pike River WATERshed Project; N. Carlson, L. Artiomow 10:40 AM

Saving Plum Island; J. Ringdahl 11:00 AM

When a Volunteer Steers the Ship: A Grassroots Approach to Launching a Citizen Science Program; B. Marsicek 11:40 AM

Natural History & Research

Fungal Foray Finds 470 Species in Northern Wisconsin; E. Stone 8:00 AM

Bumble Bee Monitoring with Photography Serves Conservation Goals; S. Carpenter 8:00 AM

Our Native Freshwater Mussels; L. Kitchel 9:00 AM

The Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program: Conservation of Freshwater Mussel Biodiversity through Citizen-based monitoring; J. Weinzinger 9:20 AM

Survival of Rehabilitated Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis); J. Sandberg 11:20 AM

Resources & Tools

Patterns in Nature: An Exploration into Form and Function; M. Farrior, A. Dusick 8:20 AM

Make and Take Crafts Encourage Continued Nature Exploration; C. Lilek 10:40 AM

Exceptional Master Naturalist Capstone Projects Create Positive Community Building; C. Robinson 11:00 AM

March 22-24, 2018

Saturday Oral Abstracts

Fungal Foray Finds 470 Species in Northern Wisconsin (8:00 AM)

Stone E; Cable Natural History Museum

The North American Mycological Association's (NAMA) Northwoods Foray drew 350 amateur and professional mycologists to Lakewoods Resort on Lake Namakagon near Cable, WI on September 7-10, 2017. Participants attended lectures and workshops given by experts, and also chose from 14 official field trips that got them out collecting fungi along the abundant trails of northern Wisconsin. While many edible varieties were found, that was not the main purpose. NAMA forays seek to record the fungal diversity of an area. Bayfield County did not disappoint. Of the more than 500 species collected, about 470 of them will be identified. This represents the second most fungi found on a NAMA foray. NAMA documents these species with collection data, photographs, and dried specimens housed at the herbarium of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Bumble Bee Monitoring with Photography Serves Conservation Goals (8:00 AM) Carpenter S; UW-Madison Arboretum

Bumble bees are key pollinators throughout urban and rural landscapes. Pollinator conservation is an important priority for agencies, land managers, gardeners, citizen scientists, researchers, and the public. Wisconsin’s 20 bumble bee species include the federally listed endangered rusty patched bumble bee, B. affinis, and species of greatest conservation need (eg., B. terricola, B. pensylvanicus, B. fervidus) as well as more common species. For most of these, we lack systematic information about current range, habitat features, and phenology. Our project, based at the UW–Madison Arboretum, documents species distribution and habitat use in southern Wisconsin. Over the last 7 flight seasons, community volunteers, students, and staff have documented bumble bees using photography. This presentation will describe these surveys, resulting data and findings, lessons learned, and how you can participate, wherever you live. Learn why bee photography will be an important part of the new Wisconsin Bumble Bee Citizen-based Monitoring Project.

Patterns in Nature: An Exploration into Form and Function (8:20 AM) Farrior M, Dusick A; UW-Madison Arboretum

Patterns in nature is a beautiful and fascinating topic that engages people of all ages. Teaching people about the basic patterns found in nature helps them to see the world in a whole new way. It is also a great opportunity to blend art and science. Using inquiry-based and participatory approaches, we will explore some of the basic patterns found in nature and their functions (such as spheres, hexagons, spirals, branching, etc.). We will also discuss ways to frame the topic (e.g. as a biomimicry technique, uses in garden design, art and craft projects, etc.) and additional activity ideas for further explorations.


Uncovering the Effects of Climate Change on U.S. Bird Species with Community Science: Audubon’s Climate Watch Program (8:20 AM) Bateman B; National Audubon Society In an uncertain future, we must be able to both forecast and monitor how species are responding to climate change. To track climate effects throughout species’ ranges requires a landscape-scale coordinated and structured effort. Audubon’s Climate Watch program integrates climate projections with community scientists’ local knowledge to track how birds are responding to climate change. Skilled volunteers from across the U.S. collaborate with Audubon scientists by testing the predictions of target species’ mid-2020s climate model projections through on-the-ground monitoring of bluebirds and nuthatches. Here we will provide an overview of the science behind the program, the general protocol, key resources available, and how to get involved in Climate Watch. We will also highlight how we can directly test hypotheses about bird climate change responses and present preliminary results from the program.

People, People Everywhere: Dealing with the Challenges of Urban Ecology (8:40 AM) Callaghan J; Urban Ecology Center Urban ecology faces unique challenges and often requires creative thinking to adapt appropriately to situations. This may entail changing the name of one’s work to better fit the identity of the community one serves or may even require one to make modifications to equipment used to monitor wildlife populations. The Urban Ecology Center’s Research and Community Science department conducts research and monitoring projects in three very urban and diverse areas of Milwaukee City. From equipment vandals to the black market pet trade, the urban nature of our green spaces keeps us on our toes. We will share examples of some of the challenges we have faced throughout the years, successes dealing with the unexpected, and lessons learned from first-hand experiences in the field.

Land Trusts: Partners for Connecting with Nature Where You Live (8:40 AM) Domroese M; Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance For Land Trusts

Land trusts—non-profit land conservation organizations—play a key role in conserving biodiversity-rich habitats, iconic landscapes, economically important working farms and forestlands, and urban greenspaces. They partner with private landowners on voluntary land conservation agreements, and leverage government programs and partnerships to acquire parcels and easements, as well as carry out a range of stewardship activities to protect land in perpetuity. Across Wisconsin there are some 50 land trusts, varying in scope and scale. Some work to protect a particular watershed while others span many counties. Do you know the land trust near you? Learn more about what land trusts do and opportunities to partner to meet conservation goals, including collaboration on research and public engagement.

Our Native Freshwater Mussels (9:00 AM) Kitchel L; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wisconsin contains a diverse, yet sometimes hidden treasure, of 51 species of native freshwater mussels, often called clams. Learn about their fascinating life cycle, interdependence on fish, and important ecological role in our lakes, rivers and streams. Over half of the species are presently listed as rare, threatened or endangered, or species of greatest conservation need as a result of declining water quality and loss of habitat. We have historic records dating back to the 1800s when they were important for buttons and pearls. Now we need to gather information on the current distribution of these long-lived species so that we can protect and recover them, and they can continue to improve the water quality of our state.

March 22-24, 2018

Self-Guided Tour Makes Nature More Accessible to Those in Need (9:00 AM) Robinson C, Lewis C; Friends Of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Non-profit, land-based organizations often struggle with a tension between adding signage or keeping natural places more natural. Synonymous is the tension between preserving or restoring an area and wanting people to experience the health, physical, and spiritual benefits of connecting with a place, without "loving it to death." In 2017, a Pheasant Branch Conservancy Master Naturalist volunteer developed a capstone, self-guided tour route and brochure that spoke to these needs. A pilot use of the tour helped make the Conservancy more accessible to people with physical limitations. An all-terrain wheelchair is available to visitors in need at the Conservancy through a partnership between Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) and the city of Middleton. A kick-off event for this chair was held on August 17, 2017. AAW brought eight more chairs and participants came from surrounding senior-living communities. The self-guided tour of the Conservancy's wetlands provided a structure for participants and a way for them to have a deeper experience during their visit. The seniors had not visited in many years or were unfamiliar with the Conservancy.

The Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program: Conservation of Freshwater Mussel Biodiversity Through Citizen-Based Monitoring (9:20 AM) Weinzinger J; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Wisconsin contains a high diversity of freshwater mussels where 51 native species occur. However, many populations have been locally extirpated and others are failing to reproduce. Primary factors responsible include extensive habitat modification and destruction, water contamination, and competition with invasive exotic species. Citizen scientists have provided vital information contributing to the protection of freshwater mussels. Now, the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program is implementing new monitoring strategies and events for volunteers to participate in mussel conservation. We will address questions such as: How does a volunteer get involved in the program? Where can a volunteer survey for mussels? When is the best time of the year to survey for mussels? How should mussel survey data be submitted? What is the importance of conducting a mussel survey for the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program? By addressing these questions, we hope to engage more citizen scientists to participate in 2018 mussel monitoring. Standing Rock to Wisconsin: Collaborative Partnerships & Indigenous Voices in Environmental Education (9:20 AM) Moran Thundercloud D1, Thundercloud A2 ; 1Master Naturalist Instructor & UW-LaCrosse, 2Ho-Chunk Nation

This presentation will explore two teachers' own search for their Call to Service as Native Indigenous people to the Americas. Some of the presentation will be through storytelling. We will cover the importance of language and culture as Native Indigenous People of the Americas to Wisconsin and the Call to Service for the environmental work that is so urgently needed through citizen science, education, youth outreach, curriculum/pedagogy, policy/law. We’ll discuss the Call to Service as Environmental Leaders through the work of Master Naturalists, Citizen Science, K-12 Teachers, Service Projects, and Wisconsin/ Global stakeholders that permeates the work through the lens of Native Voices. Recently, Standing Rock made national and global news. Standing Rock was a pivotal and historic time for Wisconsin to hear that Call to Service for Action and Renewal. This presentation will also examine briefly the work of Aldo Leopold, the role of the land ethic and the importance of Native Voices within the land ethic. Mni Wiconi. Water is LIFE!


Make and Take Crafts Encourage Continued Nature Exploration (10:40 AM) Lilek C; Wisconsin Master Naturalist

During Wisconsin Master Naturalist training we learn the ABCs: activity before content. The ABCs help pique the program participant’s interest and make them want to learn more about the topic during the program. In order to continue the participants’ desire to learn more about the topic after the program, I have found making and taking home a small nature craft to be a successful incentive for future participant learning. Many of these participants return to my programs with new participants to enjoy the same program and make the same take home craft. Several make and take crafts will be demonstrated and explained during today’s presentation (sand-filled balloon bats, sand-painted coasters, and the recycled soda-bottle bottom turtles). Participants can choose to finish one of the partially-finished crafts to make and take home with them.

The Pike River WATERshed Project (10:40 AM) Carlson N, Artiomow L; Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary

Through experiential learning the WATERshed (We All Take Environmental Responsibility) program introduces students to how their daily activities affect the Root-Pike watershed and Lake Michigan. This program builds ecological awareness and explores human relationships to the Root-Pike watershed and Lake Michigan. Participating in the WATERshed Program motivates teachers, students and community members to make personal decisions that will make a positive difference within the watershed they live in. This program will potentially lead students to pursue water science based jobs. The Pike River water quality is a focus at Hawthorn Hollow. Students and Interns help with annual streambank monitoring which provides information on bank conditions and erosion. Data can be compared across years to monitor changes. We received a 2016 WDNR River Protection grant to install a stormwater diversion project. Stormwater is diverted to a low area in the floodplain that is isolated from the river, except under extreme flooding.

Saving Plum Island (11:00 AM) Ringdahl J; Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands

Plum Island has a rich and heroic history. Plum Island was home to the Guardians of Death's Door as members of the U.S. Life Saving Service were called who were stationed there. The station they occupied until 1990 is the last Duluth-style station left. Island access was prohibited until 2015. This Lake Michigan gem located right off the end of the Door County peninsula is now open in the summer for kayakers. Magnificent rocks, range lights, historic buildings, and hiking trails make this special island worth a visit! Come to learn about the incredible work that is going on to save the historic structures on this beautiful island and how you can help!

March 22-24, 2018


Exceptional Master Naturalist Capstone Projects Create Positive Community Building (11:00 AM) Robinson C; Friends Of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Master Naturalist Volunteer courses can seem overwhelming, for some, to develop for the first time. The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy had it on our goal list for many years before we dove into instructor training in 2017. The rewards have been amazing, for both the organization and our volunteers. From researching and installing safety features on boardwalks, to developing nature curriculum to be used on the school bus, to producing invasive species guides and self-guided Conservancy tours, our first-year students' capstones offered value, intrigue, and ongoing benefits. We also learned that we are pretty decent at pulling together a volunteer course as well! We will share stories of our tips and tricks for quickly and consistently building community, considering needs and abilities, and what it all translated to with synopsis of a few capstone projects.

Survival of Rehabilitated Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (11:20 AM) Sandberg J1, Van Deelen T2, Berres M2; 1Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center, 2University of Wisconsin - Madison

Wildlife rehabilitation provides responsible care for sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing fully-recovered individuals back into the environment. This practice lacks crucial post-release research documenting changes in population dynamics and the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation in relation to patient mortality. Using national banding data, this study quantitatively compared the annual survival of wild-caught and rehabilitated red-tailed hawks (RTHA; Buteo jamaicensis). In addition, 13 rehabilitated and released RTHA from Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center in Madison, Wisconsin were fitted with radio-transmitters and tracked by staff, interns, and volunteers between 2013-2015. Annual survival of rehabilitated and radioed RTHA was 36 percent over 85 weeks of monitoring. Nationally, wild RTHA annual survival was largely equivalent to estimates reported in other published studies, but rehabilitated RTHA annual survival was approximately 22 percent lower than wild-caught individuals. Furthermore, young (hatch-year) RTHA experienced increased mortality (34%) relative to those rehabilitated as adults. Results from this study demonstrate the need for additional post-release monitoring and may guide future management decisions regarding wildlife rehabilitative criteria, practice, and viability.


Batting the Night Away (11:20 AM) Johnston B; Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Participating in the Wisconsin DNR’s Bat citizen-based monitoring program provides a much-needed excuse to venture out at dusk and experience nature at night, all the while collecting data for monitoring everyone’s favorite nocturnal, fast flying mammals. Volunteers conduct acoustic surveys (by shoe, paddle, and car), roost counts by tallying bats emerging from natural and artificial roost, and report other various bat related observations. This presentation will discuss the role of the volunteer, and share some of the adventures of being a Batter.

Monarch Citizen Science: Research Armies for Science and Conservation (11:40 AM) Oberhauser K; UW-Madison Arboretum

North American monarch butterfly populations have been declining over the last 20 years. Because insect numbers are notoriously difficult to assess, and because they often show large annual fluctuations, documenting this decline has been a challenge. Much of what we know about the population dynamics about monarchs comes from data collected by citizen scientists observing monarch eggs, larvae, adults, natural enemies, migration, and overwintering clusters. These citizen scientists, volunteering in several different programs, have been called a research army for conservation. After a brief introduction to the amazing biology of monarch migration, this talk will focus on how citizen scientists are documenting monarch numbers across their migratory cycle, and the ways in which the data have been used to address basic biological questions and set conservation targets. Participants will learn how they can implement monarch citizen science programs in a variety of settings, and discuss insect citizen science in general.

When a Volunteer Steers the Ship: A Grassroots Approach to Launching a Citizen Science Program (11:40 AM) Marsicek B; Madison Audubon Society

Many citizen science programs are dreamed up by scientists, put together by staff members, and conducted by volunteers. But how great would it be if a volunteer was the one who has the vision and the willpower to make it all happen? Madison Audubon Society is fortunate to have experience with both approaches, by coordinating two top-down style citizen science programs, Christmas Bird Count and Climate Watch (both run by National Audubon Society) as well as a volunteer-initiated program called the Bald Eagle Nest Watch (spearheaded by volunteer Drew Cashman, run through Madison Audubon). This presentation will look at why a volunteer-initiated program is rather unusual, but has incredible benefits and is well worth the risk and work of taking it on. The presenter will also describe the Bald Eagle Nest Watch and Climate Watch programs, if there is time and interest.

March 22-24, 2018


Education and Exhibit Tables

Thursday-Saturday, Wilson B


Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation, Wisconsin DNR

Cable Natural History Museum

Dane County Humane Society

International Crane Foundation

Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin

Madison Audubon Society

Madison FUN- Friends of Urban Nature

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Nature Optics - Fun Nature Tools and Apps on a Budget

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Science House Data Works

Snapshot Wisconsin

Southwest Badger RC&D

State Natural Areas

UW-Extension Lakes

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II

Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network

Wisconsin Dragonfly Society

Wisconsin First Detector Network

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey


Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program

Volunteer Fair Organizations

Saturday 9:40-10:40, Richmond Hall


Beaver Creek Reserve's Citizen Science Center - Avian Monitoring Program

Bumble Bee Brigade

CoCoRaHS - National Weather Service

Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center

International Crane Foundation– Annual Midwest Crane Count

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project

Rare Plant Monitoring Program


Snapshot Wisconsin

State Natural Areas Volunteers

The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

The Prairie Enthusiasts-Chippewa Savannas Chapter

Urban Ecology Center– Research and Community Science Program

Valley Stewardship Network

Water Action Volunteers

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use

Wisconsin Bat Program

Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative & Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group– S.O.S. Our Flying Bug Eaters

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II

Wisconsin Dragonfly Society

Wisconsin First Detector Network

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey


Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program

Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program

Thank you—Summit Sponsors Silver Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Bronze Madison Gas and Electric Snapshot Wisconsin Xcel Energy

Friend of Natural Resources Ben Meadows GEMPLER'S

Summit Planning Committee: Beaver Creek Reserve


University of Wisconsin Extension - Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Center for Watershed Science and Education

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network

Photo credits: Astrid Newenhouse, Becky Sapper, Emily Stone, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Lismore Hotel, Wisconsin Department of

Natural Resources, Vicki Damron, Paul Noeldner.

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

https://www.beavercreekreserve.org/

https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/

https://wimasternaturalist.org/

https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed/Pages/GWInfoEd.aspx

http://wiatri.net/cbm/

summit guide & schedule of events -...

Documents