The following are field trip and workshop summaries from UMISC 2016. Field trips and workshops for the 2018 conference will be posted here by March 2018.
Science of Monitoring in La Crosse - Cost: $35
Tour Leader: Randy Hines, U.S. Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse
Visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center for a 2 hour tour focused on aquatic invasives and learn about state-of-the-art research, prevention and management activities. The Center is the science leader of the Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR). LTRM is the nation's largest river monitoring program with six remote state-operated field stations along the river. This 2.5 hour field trip includes 30 minutes of roundtrip travel time. Max: 30 participants.
Refuge Tour and Lake Onalaska Paddle - Cost: $50 SOLD OUT
Tour Leaders: Scott Caven, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Tim Miller, Kendra Niemec and Hallie Rasmussen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tour the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Onalaska, explore educational exhibits and paddle Lake Onalaska (part of Pool 7 of the Mississippi River). Learn about water hyacinth and water lettuce early detection and rapid response efforts. The 5 hour tour includes 1 hour of roundtrip travel. Max: 20 participants.
Dam Asian Carp - Cost: $35
Tour Leader: Eliott Stefanik, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Visit Lock and Dam 7 in La Crescent, MN, for technical tour covering engineering measures designed to prevent the spread of Asian carp. Learn about efforts to contain and control existing populations, including bubble barriers used in other areas. The 3.5 hour tour includes one hour of roundtrip travel. Max: 25 participants.
“Kick” Around Riparian Invasives - Cost: $50
Team Leaders: Monika Chandler, MN Department of Agriculture, Kelly Kearns, WI Department of Natural Resources and Ben Johnston, Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Hike through the beautiful Kickapoo Valley Reserve to learn about early detection of Japanese hops, Japanese knotweed, and other invasive plants spread by water movement. Some upland invasives will also be included. The Kickapoo is a state designated Wild and Scenic River. This 5-hour tour includes 2 hours roundtrip travel. Max: 40 participants.
Invasives by Land, Lake, and Stream - Cost: $45
Team Leaders: Amanda Gentry, Winona County SWCD, and Tina Wolbers, MN Department of Natural Resources
Leaders will demonstrate monitoring methods for aquatic invasive species on a stream leading into West Lake Winona. Participants will also enjoy a stroll around the lake while learning about Eurasian watermilfoil monitoring techniques and identification and management of purple loosestrife. The tour will end at an Oriental bittersweet infestation where control methods will be discussed. Total tour will be 4.5 hours including 1.5 hours of travel. Max: 25 participants.
Pedal Around Invasives - Cost: $50
Tour Leaders: Mike Merriman, MN Department of Agriculture, and Tim Campbell, WI Department of Natural Resources
Bike about 10 miles roundtrip on a scenic, paved trail through diverse habitats. Learn about reed canary grass, Asian bush honeysuckle and purple loosestrife identification and management. Practice AIS Bridge Snapshot Day stream monitoring protocol. Tour is 4 hours including 1-hour round trip travel. Max: 15 participants. Bikes will be provided to participants at no charge.
Hatch a Plan in Genoa - Cost: $40
Tour Leaders: Angelique Dahlberg, St. Croix River Association and Jonathan Osthus, MN Department of Agriculture
Visit a fish hatchery and learn about safety practices for invasives. Talk about invasive bait used in fishing and early detection of cutleaf teasel as well as emerald ash borer identification and management. Total tour is 4 hours including 1.5 hours at the hatchery, one hour focused on identification methods plus travel time. Max: 25 participants.
This Is The Real McCoy - Cost: $50
Tour Leaders: Tim Wilder, Ft. McCoy and Val Cervanka, MN Dept of Natural Resources
Learn about the unique challenges of managing invasive species on a military installation, where management methods are integrated to improve outcomes. Participants will view a previously treated oak wilt center with the possibility of viewing a center as it is being treated using a vibratory root plow. Some of Wisconsin's best remaining examples of oak savannas will be visited to discuss the use of biological controls, herbicide choice and additional integrated management techniques that can be used to minimize the spread of invasive species in a unique but heavily used landscape. Further discussion on management practices for species such as leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, St. johns-wort, garlic mustard and buckthorn species will be open for discussion. This 5-hour tour includes 2 hours roundtrip driving. Max: 40 participants
Paddlewheel Cruise – on your own
The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century. Cruising out of LaCrosse, WI, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. Scenic cruises are offered daily from 1:30-3:00 p.m. for $16. Conveniently located for UMISC attendees, the La Crosse Queen departs 3 blocks north of the La Crosse Center at the end of Riverside Park. For tour information and registration, visit http://www.lacrossequeen.com/
Tour Leader: Randy Hines, U.S. Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse
Visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center for a 2 hour tour focused on aquatic invasives and learn about state-of-the-art research, prevention and management activities. The Center is the science leader of the Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR). LTRM is the nation's largest river monitoring program with six remote state-operated field stations along the river. This 2.5 hour field trip includes 30 minutes of roundtrip travel time. Max: 30 participants.
Refuge Tour and Lake Onalaska Paddle - Cost: $50 SOLD OUT
Tour Leaders: Scott Caven, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Tim Miller, Kendra Niemec and Hallie Rasmussen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tour the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Onalaska, explore educational exhibits and paddle Lake Onalaska (part of Pool 7 of the Mississippi River). Learn about water hyacinth and water lettuce early detection and rapid response efforts. The 5 hour tour includes 1 hour of roundtrip travel. Max: 20 participants.
Dam Asian Carp - Cost: $35
Tour Leader: Eliott Stefanik, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Visit Lock and Dam 7 in La Crescent, MN, for technical tour covering engineering measures designed to prevent the spread of Asian carp. Learn about efforts to contain and control existing populations, including bubble barriers used in other areas. The 3.5 hour tour includes one hour of roundtrip travel. Max: 25 participants.
“Kick” Around Riparian Invasives - Cost: $50
Team Leaders: Monika Chandler, MN Department of Agriculture, Kelly Kearns, WI Department of Natural Resources and Ben Johnston, Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Hike through the beautiful Kickapoo Valley Reserve to learn about early detection of Japanese hops, Japanese knotweed, and other invasive plants spread by water movement. Some upland invasives will also be included. The Kickapoo is a state designated Wild and Scenic River. This 5-hour tour includes 2 hours roundtrip travel. Max: 40 participants.
Invasives by Land, Lake, and Stream - Cost: $45
Team Leaders: Amanda Gentry, Winona County SWCD, and Tina Wolbers, MN Department of Natural Resources
Leaders will demonstrate monitoring methods for aquatic invasive species on a stream leading into West Lake Winona. Participants will also enjoy a stroll around the lake while learning about Eurasian watermilfoil monitoring techniques and identification and management of purple loosestrife. The tour will end at an Oriental bittersweet infestation where control methods will be discussed. Total tour will be 4.5 hours including 1.5 hours of travel. Max: 25 participants.
Pedal Around Invasives - Cost: $50
Tour Leaders: Mike Merriman, MN Department of Agriculture, and Tim Campbell, WI Department of Natural Resources
Bike about 10 miles roundtrip on a scenic, paved trail through diverse habitats. Learn about reed canary grass, Asian bush honeysuckle and purple loosestrife identification and management. Practice AIS Bridge Snapshot Day stream monitoring protocol. Tour is 4 hours including 1-hour round trip travel. Max: 15 participants. Bikes will be provided to participants at no charge.
Hatch a Plan in Genoa - Cost: $40
Tour Leaders: Angelique Dahlberg, St. Croix River Association and Jonathan Osthus, MN Department of Agriculture
Visit a fish hatchery and learn about safety practices for invasives. Talk about invasive bait used in fishing and early detection of cutleaf teasel as well as emerald ash borer identification and management. Total tour is 4 hours including 1.5 hours at the hatchery, one hour focused on identification methods plus travel time. Max: 25 participants.
This Is The Real McCoy - Cost: $50
Tour Leaders: Tim Wilder, Ft. McCoy and Val Cervanka, MN Dept of Natural Resources
Learn about the unique challenges of managing invasive species on a military installation, where management methods are integrated to improve outcomes. Participants will view a previously treated oak wilt center with the possibility of viewing a center as it is being treated using a vibratory root plow. Some of Wisconsin's best remaining examples of oak savannas will be visited to discuss the use of biological controls, herbicide choice and additional integrated management techniques that can be used to minimize the spread of invasive species in a unique but heavily used landscape. Further discussion on management practices for species such as leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, St. johns-wort, garlic mustard and buckthorn species will be open for discussion. This 5-hour tour includes 2 hours roundtrip driving. Max: 40 participants
Paddlewheel Cruise – on your own
The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century. Cruising out of LaCrosse, WI, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. Scenic cruises are offered daily from 1:30-3:00 p.m. for $16. Conveniently located for UMISC attendees, the La Crosse Queen departs 3 blocks north of the La Crosse Center at the end of Riverside Park. For tour information and registration, visit http://www.lacrossequeen.com/
UMISC 2016 Workshops
All Workshops are $15 except for the ISM Track Workshop on Wednesday, which is free. Workshop registration must be paid with conference registration. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot for these popular workshops.
Improvisational Theatre for Science Communication
Sunday October 16, 2016 - 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Improvisers are experts in storytelling, spontaneity, and using observation skills to adjust to their audiences and team members accordingly. Among other skills, this 2.5 hour workshop will introduce you to exercises that can teach you how to (1) effectively communicate your work to different audiences, (2) adjust your behavior in real time to respond to audience feedback, and (3) manipulate your vocal and physical presence to communicate more effectively. This workshop will build your' skills and confidence; enabling you to effectively communicate your work to different audiences. You will develop and improve presentation skills with the objective to distill your message and present your science in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. You will be able to use these skills when giving lectures, presenting abstracts, describing research posters, and talking with mentors and peers.
Identification of Native and Exotic Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Presenters:
Paul Skawinski, UW-Extension Lakes Program, Author of Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
Michelle Nault, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Susan Knight, University of Wisconsin – Trout Lake Station
The Upper Midwest region is blessed with an amazing diversity of aquatic plants – over 150 species. Knowing what to look for is the key to distinguishing between the members of this important group of plants. Participants will learn through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. Many invasive species will be discussed, including how to distinguish them from similar native species. Participants will be able to purchase a copy of Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest for $30 at the Workshop.
Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 3:00 - 4:40 PM
Presenters:
Steve Eggers, Senior Ecologist and Professional Wetland Scientist, St. Paul District - Regulatory Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
Pat Trochlell, Wetland Ecologist, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
This workshop will introduce participants to the basics of identification of grasses, sedges, and rushes; three graminoid families with species commonly found growing in wetlands and adjacent uplands. Taxonomy, plant structure and use of appropriate plant keys for identification will be discussed with species samples available for close observation. Several grass species which are invasive in the Midwest will be covered.
Invasive Species Management (ISM) Track
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Presenter:
Mark Renz, UW-Madison
Are you interested in tracking invasive species management information? If so ISMTrack may be a solution. ISMTrack is a cloud based software system to help land managers track and summarize invasive species management across sites and over time. ISMTrack is integrated with EDDMapS, a web and app based invasive species reporting system. ISMTrack can be used to track many invasive species management activities including: staffing, treatment method, travel time, volunteer or crew hours, weather conditions, completion dates and other critical information. Data can be shared, downloaded and analyzed to increase efficiency and improve invasive species management by a team and across organizations.The mobile-friendly design also allows for access and entry of data in the field, eliminating the need for office time during the field season. If interested in learning more about this resource (currently available in WI and MN) please attend this workshop. Participants will be introduced to ISMTrack and participate in a hands-on training session that will allow them to setup their land for use of this system.
Improvisational Theatre for Science Communication
Sunday October 16, 2016 - 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Improvisers are experts in storytelling, spontaneity, and using observation skills to adjust to their audiences and team members accordingly. Among other skills, this 2.5 hour workshop will introduce you to exercises that can teach you how to (1) effectively communicate your work to different audiences, (2) adjust your behavior in real time to respond to audience feedback, and (3) manipulate your vocal and physical presence to communicate more effectively. This workshop will build your' skills and confidence; enabling you to effectively communicate your work to different audiences. You will develop and improve presentation skills with the objective to distill your message and present your science in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. You will be able to use these skills when giving lectures, presenting abstracts, describing research posters, and talking with mentors and peers.
Identification of Native and Exotic Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Presenters:
Paul Skawinski, UW-Extension Lakes Program, Author of Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
Michelle Nault, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Susan Knight, University of Wisconsin – Trout Lake Station
The Upper Midwest region is blessed with an amazing diversity of aquatic plants – over 150 species. Knowing what to look for is the key to distinguishing between the members of this important group of plants. Participants will learn through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. Many invasive species will be discussed, including how to distinguish them from similar native species. Participants will be able to purchase a copy of Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest for $30 at the Workshop.
Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 3:00 - 4:40 PM
Presenters:
Steve Eggers, Senior Ecologist and Professional Wetland Scientist, St. Paul District - Regulatory Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
Pat Trochlell, Wetland Ecologist, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
This workshop will introduce participants to the basics of identification of grasses, sedges, and rushes; three graminoid families with species commonly found growing in wetlands and adjacent uplands. Taxonomy, plant structure and use of appropriate plant keys for identification will be discussed with species samples available for close observation. Several grass species which are invasive in the Midwest will be covered.
Invasive Species Management (ISM) Track
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Presenter:
Mark Renz, UW-Madison
Are you interested in tracking invasive species management information? If so ISMTrack may be a solution. ISMTrack is a cloud based software system to help land managers track and summarize invasive species management across sites and over time. ISMTrack is integrated with EDDMapS, a web and app based invasive species reporting system. ISMTrack can be used to track many invasive species management activities including: staffing, treatment method, travel time, volunteer or crew hours, weather conditions, completion dates and other critical information. Data can be shared, downloaded and analyzed to increase efficiency and improve invasive species management by a team and across organizations.The mobile-friendly design also allows for access and entry of data in the field, eliminating the need for office time during the field season. If interested in learning more about this resource (currently available in WI and MN) please attend this workshop. Participants will be introduced to ISMTrack and participate in a hands-on training session that will allow them to setup their land for use of this system.
