Field Trips and Workshops
The line up of field trip and workshop offerings at 2018 UMISC - NAISMA - Rochester, MN provides the most comprehensive diversity of learning opportunities for anyone involved with invasive species management.. See how invasive species management challenges are being addressed in the Midwest and get hands-on technical training. All Field trips will be held in the afternoon on Monday, October 15, 2018 unless otherwise noted. Workshop dates and times will be scattered among all conference days; exact schedule TBD by mid-May 2018. Concurrent sessions will be available for conference attendees who do not wish to participate in a tour or workshop. Tours and workshops are optional but require selection and payment during registration (opening soon).
Read below for field trip and workshop details.
Read below for field trip and workshop details.
Field Trips
Marshalling Volunteers to Manage Invasive Species
Tour Leader: Angela Gupta, University of Minnesota - Extension
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 50; Activity Level: Moderate; Accessibility: Handicap tracked wheelchair available upon request.
Cost: $30
Do you need volunteers to help you manage invasive species? Learn tips and tricks about recruiting, retaining and engaging volunteers from volunteers themselves. On this field trip, you’ll spend time with volunteers at three different Rochester parks – Quarry Hill Nature Center, Indian Heights Park and Gamehaven Sports and Recreation Park – discussing approaches to invasive species management. You’ll witness challenges and opportunities and brainstorm about ways to foster public engagement in active management.
Wheels and Weeds
Tour leader: Mike Merriman, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 25; Activity Level: Moderate
Cost: $35
Saddle up for a relaxing bike tour through invasive species and cooperative invasive species management areas in Rochester. Along the way, you’ll stop to learn about emerald ash borers, zebra mussels in Zumbro Lake, and shoreland and buckthorn management. Peddle by (not through!) rare poison hemlock eradication efforts. Peddlers will also get tips on minor bike repair and maintenance “geared” toward everyday bike-to-work commuters. Bikes will be provided unless participants indicate when registering that they will bring their own bike.
Certified Forage Producers, Pits and Pollinator Sites
Tour leader: Marsha Watland, Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District, NAISMA WFF&G Coordinator and Board Member
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 45; Activity Level: Low
Cost $30
Travel northeast to the beautiful Mississippi River Bluffs of Kellogg, MN. From bluffs to pits, learn how the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s Weed Free Forage and Gravel Certification Processes prevent the spread of invasive species. You will tour a NAISMA-certified forage producer. Once outside Kellogg, you will stop at an active gravel pit set for up for an initial inspection walkthrough for Weed Free Gravel Certification. Take a short hike to an area of poison hemlock infestation and a roadside management demonstration. At pollinator planting areas that are new and established Conservation Reserve Programs., local prohibited weed management issues like wild parsnip and thistle will be featured.
Zebras in the Zumbro and Beyond
Tour leader: Tina Wolbers, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Tour length: 4 hours; Max Capacity: 40; Activity Level: Low
Cost: $30
Lake Zumbro was Minnesota’s first inland water infested with zebra mussels (2000). Eighteen years later, it’s not the only one. This field trip will cover the history of zebra mussels in Minnesota, past management actions, and current zebra mussel control techniques. You’ll learn how Minnesota regulates transportation and disposal of dredged materials from infested waters. Join in to see how Rochester Public Utilities protects critical infrastructure from zebra mussels to provide electricity at the Lake Zumbro Hydroelectric Dam. Bring your boots (clean and dried for at least 5 days of course). You’ll have a chance to practice search (not rescue!) techniques for zebra mussels and other AIS. There’s much to learn while visiting Olmstead and Wabasha Counties!
Watoto Togya Uŋyušdokapi: Dakota Sioux for Stripping the Land of Strange Plants
Tour leaders: Gabe Miller, Environmental Program Manager, Prairie Island Indian Community; and Dawn Littleton, Invasive Plants Program Coordinator, University of MN Extension
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 30; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30
Experience the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux community to see hands-on native ways for effective management of invasive species. Against the backdrop of the scenic Mississippi River, the Prairie Island Indian Community is a historical center of medicinal and cultural native plant trade for Dakota peoples. At Tribal Marina, discuss cultural and natural resource management challenges brought by living on a river that provides both vital resources and invasive species to the backwater lakes. Tour a floodplain forest of silver maple and restored mesic prairie. Continue past restored prairie lands for a one-mile round-trip hike to view an oak-savanna restoration project. End your tour with a drive past the Edwin Buck Jr. Memorial Buffalo Project of invasive species management. If your management passion is buckthorn, Reed Canary Grass, purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, Siberian elm, wild parsnip, leafy spurge, Amur maple or Japanese hedge parsley – this one is for you.
Go Batty at the Cave & Terrestrial Invasive Species Management
Tour leader: Shane Blair, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 40; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $25
October pro-baseball season might be coming to a close, but batting (or batty) season isn’t over. Enjoy the wonder of Mystery Cave and its captivating history. Bats live here, but not Batman. Learn about white nose bat syndrome, its potential impacts on Minnesota bat populations and how stewards at Mystery Cave are combating the disease. Then, during a one-hour hike, you’ll be introduced to efforts to control and eradicate invasive woody vegetation in Forestville State Park and participate in a discussion about long-term plans. Is garlic mustard edible? What about other invasive plants? Join this field trip to find out!
Whitewater Valley Invaders
Tour leaders: Jaime Edwards, MN Dept of Natural Resources Nongame Program; and Amanda Gentry, Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District
Tour length: 4.5 hours; Max Capacity: 25; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30
Take a trip to Whitewater State Park to visit southeastern Minnesota’s premiere trout streams and learn about the aquatic invaders that threaten them. Bring waders (clean and dried for at least 5 days or treated with 5% salt then tap water rinsed)! You will be in the stream monitoring for AIS using a dip net and sieve bucket. Data collected on an app will be tailored to flow monitoring. Then, at the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, hike up a bluff prairie undergoing restoration and contrast it with adjacent land infested with buckthorn, honeysuckle, barberry and other undesirables. See for yourself what a difference one season of restoration can make!
Prescribed Fire Field Demonstration: It’s a Match
Tour leader: Adam Gundlach, Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Chair, Board of Directors
Tour length: 2 hours; Max capacity: 30; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30 (note this is combined with the Prescribed Fire Workshop below)
This hot field trip is the second part of an introduction to prescribed fire workshop. You’ll learn basic understandings of considerations and challenges involved in planning and implementing prescribed burns to help achieve land management goals. Do biological communities benefit from fire? You’ll visit fire management field demonstrations sites in or near Rochester to find out. Groups will rotate between stations on different components of prescribed burn implementation including radios and weather monitoring, ignition techniques, hand tools and equipment, water delivery (engines, UTVs, pumps) and live fire demonstration by workshop partners (weather permitting). Don’t get burned by missing this!
Tour Leader: Angela Gupta, University of Minnesota - Extension
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 50; Activity Level: Moderate; Accessibility: Handicap tracked wheelchair available upon request.
Cost: $30
Do you need volunteers to help you manage invasive species? Learn tips and tricks about recruiting, retaining and engaging volunteers from volunteers themselves. On this field trip, you’ll spend time with volunteers at three different Rochester parks – Quarry Hill Nature Center, Indian Heights Park and Gamehaven Sports and Recreation Park – discussing approaches to invasive species management. You’ll witness challenges and opportunities and brainstorm about ways to foster public engagement in active management.
Wheels and Weeds
Tour leader: Mike Merriman, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 25; Activity Level: Moderate
Cost: $35
Saddle up for a relaxing bike tour through invasive species and cooperative invasive species management areas in Rochester. Along the way, you’ll stop to learn about emerald ash borers, zebra mussels in Zumbro Lake, and shoreland and buckthorn management. Peddle by (not through!) rare poison hemlock eradication efforts. Peddlers will also get tips on minor bike repair and maintenance “geared” toward everyday bike-to-work commuters. Bikes will be provided unless participants indicate when registering that they will bring their own bike.
Certified Forage Producers, Pits and Pollinator Sites
Tour leader: Marsha Watland, Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District, NAISMA WFF&G Coordinator and Board Member
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 45; Activity Level: Low
Cost $30
Travel northeast to the beautiful Mississippi River Bluffs of Kellogg, MN. From bluffs to pits, learn how the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s Weed Free Forage and Gravel Certification Processes prevent the spread of invasive species. You will tour a NAISMA-certified forage producer. Once outside Kellogg, you will stop at an active gravel pit set for up for an initial inspection walkthrough for Weed Free Gravel Certification. Take a short hike to an area of poison hemlock infestation and a roadside management demonstration. At pollinator planting areas that are new and established Conservation Reserve Programs., local prohibited weed management issues like wild parsnip and thistle will be featured.
Zebras in the Zumbro and Beyond
Tour leader: Tina Wolbers, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Tour length: 4 hours; Max Capacity: 40; Activity Level: Low
Cost: $30
Lake Zumbro was Minnesota’s first inland water infested with zebra mussels (2000). Eighteen years later, it’s not the only one. This field trip will cover the history of zebra mussels in Minnesota, past management actions, and current zebra mussel control techniques. You’ll learn how Minnesota regulates transportation and disposal of dredged materials from infested waters. Join in to see how Rochester Public Utilities protects critical infrastructure from zebra mussels to provide electricity at the Lake Zumbro Hydroelectric Dam. Bring your boots (clean and dried for at least 5 days of course). You’ll have a chance to practice search (not rescue!) techniques for zebra mussels and other AIS. There’s much to learn while visiting Olmstead and Wabasha Counties!
Watoto Togya Uŋyušdokapi: Dakota Sioux for Stripping the Land of Strange Plants
Tour leaders: Gabe Miller, Environmental Program Manager, Prairie Island Indian Community; and Dawn Littleton, Invasive Plants Program Coordinator, University of MN Extension
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 30; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30
Experience the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux community to see hands-on native ways for effective management of invasive species. Against the backdrop of the scenic Mississippi River, the Prairie Island Indian Community is a historical center of medicinal and cultural native plant trade for Dakota peoples. At Tribal Marina, discuss cultural and natural resource management challenges brought by living on a river that provides both vital resources and invasive species to the backwater lakes. Tour a floodplain forest of silver maple and restored mesic prairie. Continue past restored prairie lands for a one-mile round-trip hike to view an oak-savanna restoration project. End your tour with a drive past the Edwin Buck Jr. Memorial Buffalo Project of invasive species management. If your management passion is buckthorn, Reed Canary Grass, purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, Siberian elm, wild parsnip, leafy spurge, Amur maple or Japanese hedge parsley – this one is for you.
Go Batty at the Cave & Terrestrial Invasive Species Management
Tour leader: Shane Blair, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Tour length: 5 hours; Max Capacity: 40; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $25
October pro-baseball season might be coming to a close, but batting (or batty) season isn’t over. Enjoy the wonder of Mystery Cave and its captivating history. Bats live here, but not Batman. Learn about white nose bat syndrome, its potential impacts on Minnesota bat populations and how stewards at Mystery Cave are combating the disease. Then, during a one-hour hike, you’ll be introduced to efforts to control and eradicate invasive woody vegetation in Forestville State Park and participate in a discussion about long-term plans. Is garlic mustard edible? What about other invasive plants? Join this field trip to find out!
Whitewater Valley Invaders
Tour leaders: Jaime Edwards, MN Dept of Natural Resources Nongame Program; and Amanda Gentry, Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District
Tour length: 4.5 hours; Max Capacity: 25; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30
Take a trip to Whitewater State Park to visit southeastern Minnesota’s premiere trout streams and learn about the aquatic invaders that threaten them. Bring waders (clean and dried for at least 5 days or treated with 5% salt then tap water rinsed)! You will be in the stream monitoring for AIS using a dip net and sieve bucket. Data collected on an app will be tailored to flow monitoring. Then, at the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, hike up a bluff prairie undergoing restoration and contrast it with adjacent land infested with buckthorn, honeysuckle, barberry and other undesirables. See for yourself what a difference one season of restoration can make!
Prescribed Fire Field Demonstration: It’s a Match
Tour leader: Adam Gundlach, Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Chair, Board of Directors
Tour length: 2 hours; Max capacity: 30; Activity Level: Medium
Cost: $30 (note this is combined with the Prescribed Fire Workshop below)
This hot field trip is the second part of an introduction to prescribed fire workshop. You’ll learn basic understandings of considerations and challenges involved in planning and implementing prescribed burns to help achieve land management goals. Do biological communities benefit from fire? You’ll visit fire management field demonstrations sites in or near Rochester to find out. Groups will rotate between stations on different components of prescribed burn implementation including radios and weather monitoring, ignition techniques, hand tools and equipment, water delivery (engines, UTVs, pumps) and live fire demonstration by workshop partners (weather permitting). Don’t get burned by missing this!
Workshops
All Workshops will be held during one concurrent session time period (1 hour and 40 minutes). Pre-conference registration for workshops is required except where indicated.
Using Local Events as Alternatives to Pet and Plant Release
Tim Campbell, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant; Doug Jensen - University of Minnesota Sea Grant; Greg Hitzroth – Illinois - Indiana Sea Grant; Scott Hardin - Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
No Cost
The release of unwanted pets and plants into the environment is a known pathway for invasive species. There are two common reasons for releasing unwanted pets and plants. One is that owners believe that release is humane and doing doing the pet or plant a favor. The other that release is often the most convenient way to dispose of an unwanted pet or plant; few convenient alternatives exist for rehoming unwanted exotic pets and plants. In order to provide convenient alternatives to pet release, the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has been hosting exotic pet rehoming events for the past two years. Each participating Sea Grant program has used a different model to successfully host events to take in and rehome unwanted exotic pets. This workshop will outline the different types of events Sea Grant has promoted, the partners that have helped make the events a success, and lessons learned to help other local groups promote pet rehoming events in their areas.
Know the Problem: Tips to Identifying Invasive Forest and Range Pests
David Coyle, University of Georgia, D.B. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources; Angela Gupta, University of Minnesota; Angela Ambourn, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Cost: $15
Accurate identification of invasive forest pests is imperative to enable proper management. Early identification often allows for more management options; but identifying unfamiliar species can be tricky. This hands-on workshop will help participants learn how to identify invasive species in North America, including identification using the causal organism, symptoms, and/or damage. Participants will also be able to compare and contrast invasive species with common look-alikes. Identification materials include samples, Riker mounts, 3D printed models and life-size displays. Currently, the list of invasive species includes insects, fungi, and plants.
Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
Instructors: Steve Eggers and Patricia Trochlell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Cost: $15
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 that are invasive in the Midwest will be covered.
Invasive Aquatic Animal Identification
Megan Weber, University of MN Extension; Maureen Ferry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Cost: $15
Counting whorls, determining eye position, finding the ventral surface of a mussel can all sometimes be tricky parts to identifying aquatic animals. Attend this workshop to help solve the mystery of the mystery snail and more. Participants will hear a brief lecture preceding each species or animal group followed by some hands-on practice. We will focus on invasive threats to the Upper Midwest that are also found in other parts of the U.S. and Canada including crayfish, molluscs, and fish and how to distinguish them from some common native look alikes.
Strategies for Manual Removal of Invasive Species
Chris Hamerla, Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. and Paul Skawinski, University of Wisconsin - Extension Lakes
Cost: $15
Manual removal can be a successful tool to reduce or eliminate invasive species from an area. This technique can work in waterbodies, wetlands and terrestrial sites. Traditionally, expensive chemical herbicides are used to manage invasive species populations. However early, scattered populations can often be controlled by manual removal for a lower cost, with minimal or no non-target impacts to the ecosystem and in areas where herbicides aren't an option. Additionally, this technique can also be used along with herbicide control. Manual removal can be effective on a variety of invasive species. This workshop will focus on Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, non-native phragmites, yellow floating heart and buckthorn. A brochure and YouTube instructional video will be shared at this workshop to further encourage lake and wetland managers to explore manual removal, a viable control technique.
Introduction to Prescribed Fire Workshop
Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Minnesota Prescribed Fire Council, Dustin Looman, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, Nancy Braker, Cowling Arboretum, Carleton College
Cost: This is combined with the Fire Demonstration above. Total cost is $30 for both the workshop and field trip.
This workshop will provide individuals who have minimal experience or training in wildland fire with an introductory training in the use of prescribed fire to achieve land management goals. Participants can expect to take away a basic understanding of the considerations and challenges involved in the planning and implementation of prescribed burns, as well as the benefits to biological communities when fire is applied under appropriate conditions.
Identification of Native and Exotic Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
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
Cost: $15
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.
Using Local Events to Create Convenient Alternatives to Pet and Plant Release
Tim Campbell, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant; Doug Jensen, University of Minnesota Sea Grant; Greg Hitzroth, Illinois - Indiana Sea Grant;
Scott Hardin, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
Cost: None
The release of unwanted pets and plants into the environment is a known pathway for invasive species. There are two common reasons for releasing unwanted pets and plants. One is that owners believe that release is humane and doing the pet or plant a favor. The other is that release is often the most convenient way to dispose of an unwanted pet or plant; few convenient alternatives exist for rehoming unwanted exotic pets and plants. In order to provide convenient alternatives to pet release, the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has been hosting exotic pet rehoming events for the past two years. Each participating Sea Grant program has used a different model to successfully host events to take in and re-home unwanted exotic pets. This workshop will outline the different types of events Sea Grant has promoted, the partners that have helped make the events a success, and lessons learned to help other local groups promote pet rehoming events in their areas.
Using Local Events as Alternatives to Pet and Plant Release
Tim Campbell, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant; Doug Jensen - University of Minnesota Sea Grant; Greg Hitzroth – Illinois - Indiana Sea Grant; Scott Hardin - Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
No Cost
The release of unwanted pets and plants into the environment is a known pathway for invasive species. There are two common reasons for releasing unwanted pets and plants. One is that owners believe that release is humane and doing doing the pet or plant a favor. The other that release is often the most convenient way to dispose of an unwanted pet or plant; few convenient alternatives exist for rehoming unwanted exotic pets and plants. In order to provide convenient alternatives to pet release, the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has been hosting exotic pet rehoming events for the past two years. Each participating Sea Grant program has used a different model to successfully host events to take in and rehome unwanted exotic pets. This workshop will outline the different types of events Sea Grant has promoted, the partners that have helped make the events a success, and lessons learned to help other local groups promote pet rehoming events in their areas.
Know the Problem: Tips to Identifying Invasive Forest and Range Pests
David Coyle, University of Georgia, D.B. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources; Angela Gupta, University of Minnesota; Angela Ambourn, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Cost: $15
Accurate identification of invasive forest pests is imperative to enable proper management. Early identification often allows for more management options; but identifying unfamiliar species can be tricky. This hands-on workshop will help participants learn how to identify invasive species in North America, including identification using the causal organism, symptoms, and/or damage. Participants will also be able to compare and contrast invasive species with common look-alikes. Identification materials include samples, Riker mounts, 3D printed models and life-size displays. Currently, the list of invasive species includes insects, fungi, and plants.
Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
Instructors: Steve Eggers and Patricia Trochlell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Cost: $15
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 that are invasive in the Midwest will be covered.
Invasive Aquatic Animal Identification
Megan Weber, University of MN Extension; Maureen Ferry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Cost: $15
Counting whorls, determining eye position, finding the ventral surface of a mussel can all sometimes be tricky parts to identifying aquatic animals. Attend this workshop to help solve the mystery of the mystery snail and more. Participants will hear a brief lecture preceding each species or animal group followed by some hands-on practice. We will focus on invasive threats to the Upper Midwest that are also found in other parts of the U.S. and Canada including crayfish, molluscs, and fish and how to distinguish them from some common native look alikes.
Strategies for Manual Removal of Invasive Species
Chris Hamerla, Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. and Paul Skawinski, University of Wisconsin - Extension Lakes
Cost: $15
Manual removal can be a successful tool to reduce or eliminate invasive species from an area. This technique can work in waterbodies, wetlands and terrestrial sites. Traditionally, expensive chemical herbicides are used to manage invasive species populations. However early, scattered populations can often be controlled by manual removal for a lower cost, with minimal or no non-target impacts to the ecosystem and in areas where herbicides aren't an option. Additionally, this technique can also be used along with herbicide control. Manual removal can be effective on a variety of invasive species. This workshop will focus on Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, non-native phragmites, yellow floating heart and buckthorn. A brochure and YouTube instructional video will be shared at this workshop to further encourage lake and wetland managers to explore manual removal, a viable control technique.
Introduction to Prescribed Fire Workshop
Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Minnesota Prescribed Fire Council, Dustin Looman, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, Nancy Braker, Cowling Arboretum, Carleton College
Cost: This is combined with the Fire Demonstration above. Total cost is $30 for both the workshop and field trip.
This workshop will provide individuals who have minimal experience or training in wildland fire with an introductory training in the use of prescribed fire to achieve land management goals. Participants can expect to take away a basic understanding of the considerations and challenges involved in the planning and implementation of prescribed burns, as well as the benefits to biological communities when fire is applied under appropriate conditions.
Identification of Native and Exotic Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest
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
Cost: $15
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.
Using Local Events to Create Convenient Alternatives to Pet and Plant Release
Tim Campbell, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant; Doug Jensen, University of Minnesota Sea Grant; Greg Hitzroth, Illinois - Indiana Sea Grant;
Scott Hardin, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
Cost: None
The release of unwanted pets and plants into the environment is a known pathway for invasive species. There are two common reasons for releasing unwanted pets and plants. One is that owners believe that release is humane and doing the pet or plant a favor. The other is that release is often the most convenient way to dispose of an unwanted pet or plant; few convenient alternatives exist for rehoming unwanted exotic pets and plants. In order to provide convenient alternatives to pet release, the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has been hosting exotic pet rehoming events for the past two years. Each participating Sea Grant program has used a different model to successfully host events to take in and re-home unwanted exotic pets. This workshop will outline the different types of events Sea Grant has promoted, the partners that have helped make the events a success, and lessons learned to help other local groups promote pet rehoming events in their areas.