Lichens can be found in almost every terrestrial habitat on Earth and while many of us may feel confident that we know a lichen when we see it, we may struggle to describe exactly what they are. Surprisingly complex for their size, lichens are important to wildlife and contribute to nutrient and water cycling. Lichens can also be used as environmental indicators.

Join us at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve as we dive into the basics of lichens, their role in the ecosystem, and how you can be a part of scientific research in Minnesota. The workshop will include both indoor (seated)) and outdoor (walking) activities.

Location address: Cedar Creek, 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE, East Bethel, MN 55005

Presenters will include University researchers, iNaturalist power users, and Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteers.

Instructor: Britt Forsberg, 612-626-2690, forsb118@umn.edu

The course fee is $50 and includes all materials and supplies. Please contact Britt Forsberg if the course fee presents a barrier to you. Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Mid-October seems to be the prime time to experience peak tamarack colors in the Sax-Zim Bog! This Advanced Training will have a special focus on the biology behind the change of color we see by trees in Minnesota as the seasons change. We will also spend some time in the field, looking at a wide range of non-tree species that change from green to brilliant reds, oranges, or yellows in the fall. Depending on the timing of color change, the exact date of this field trip may be pushed back one week and all registrants will be apprised of any changes to the field trip date!

Plan on bringing a lunch and any other snacks/water you may need for the day. We will spend time on boardwalks, trails, and roadsides, with the opportunity to get off trail and into the Bog. Please dress accordingly for the season (last year it snowed during this field trip!).

Location: Sax-Zim Bog, 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765

Instructor: Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus, (507) 525-3151, xanthomn@gmail.com

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Remote cameras are increasingly being used for research to observe wildlife behavior, estimate populations, and find rare species. We will talk about the history of camera trapping, different settings, and different techniques used for different research questions. We will also take a short hike around the Elm Creek trails to look at different camera sets and talk about current research taking advantage of this tool including the Offal Wildlife Watching project. We will also have a unique opportunity to watch a gut pile live through a spotting scope.

Part indoor classroom and part outdoor classroom. Dress for the day's weather conditions.

Location address: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

It's a tough world out there and animals in Minnesota are designed (mostly) to survive our harsh winters. We'll talk about different animal strategies in response to winter and hike the beautiful trails of Eastman Nature Center for an experiential approach to learning. Part indoor classroom and part outdoor classroom. Dress for the day's weather conditions. Snowshoes provided if needed!

Location address: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.