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​​Friday Afternoon Workshops

April 1, 2016
1:30-4:30 pm

Pre-registration required to attend.
Agenda subject to change.

Aquatic Plant Ecology and Identification (Limit: 24, Special fee: $25) -
Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
In this aquatic plant workshop, we will focus on aquatic plant ecology and identification. Participants will learn to identify aquatic plants using freshly defrosted plant specimens collected last summer and a variety of plant keys and other resources. We will focus on distinguishing plants with similar growth forms and among species in the larger genera. If possible, participants should bring a hand lens although there will some hand lenses and microscopes available. There will be a packet of materials for each participant to keep including the second edition of “Through the Looking Glass” (a book about aquatic plants) and keys to guide you through plant identification.
 
 
Presenters:
Susan Knight, Aquatic Biologist and Assistant Scientist, UW-Madison Center for Limnology Trout Lake Station
Michelle Nault, Research Scientist, Wisconsin DNR
Paul Skawinski, Statewide Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Coordinator, UW-Extension Lakes

Presentation: Aquatic Plant Identification (PDF)
 

Mapping for Citizens (Limit: 20) - Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
This workshop will explore the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS). Fundamentals include importing data points, GPS to GIS, symbolizing data, creating a map layout, and saving projects.  Lake associations and consulting firms interested in producing survey maps should attend.  Prior knowledge of working with GIS/GPS is preferred.  Examples of projects from Blue Lake in Vilas County and Lake Redstone in Sauk County will be discussed.  The software is available for download here. Users are expected to attend the workshop with the QGIS software pre‐installed on a personal computing device. Data used for the workshop will be distributed via Google Drive. Good computer skill required.
 
 
Presenter: 
Christine Koeller, GIS Center, UW-Stevens Point
 

LoonWatch Loon Ranger Training (Limit: 48) - Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
For over 35 years, LoonWatch has engaged an active volunteer network of "Loon Rangers" as its primary tool to collect critical long-term data on loons in Northern Wisconsin. Through this workshop you’ll learn how to monitor loons, hear what's new in the world of loon research, and to meet other loon enthusiasts. Loon Rangers also help protect loons by spreading the word to their neighbors and other lake users to steer clear of loons on nests and on the water.
 
 
Presenter: 
Erica LeMoine, Project LoonWatch Coordinator, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College

Presentation: LoonWatch Loon Ranger Training (PDF)
Loon sounds:
Hoot (MP3)
Tremolo (MP3)
Wail (MP3)
Yodel​ (MP3)
 

SWIMS and the Lakes and Aquatic Invasive Species Map Viewer (Limit: 20) -
Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
Interested in learning more about SWIMS and the Lakes and AIS Viewer? Come and get a general walk-through of both and stay to get more in-depth information of how to maximize the available tools. Demos provided will include how to add, find, and update information in the SWIMS database as well as how to create a quick map, add graphics, share maps, add your own data to the viewer. Time will also be set aside at the end for questions and answers as well as a brief overview of new tools and functions that will be coming.
 
 
Presenters: 
Jennifer Filbert, Lakes and AIS Database Services, Wisconsin DNR
Dennis Wiese, GIS Analyst/Cartographer, Wisconsin DNR
 

Clean Boats, Clean Waters (Limit: 25, Special fee: $15) - Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
Wisconsin’s watercraft inspectors play an important role in our AIS prevention efforts. Whether you’re new to watercraft inspections or an experienced inspector, join us for the updated Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop to receive the latest training and materials!  You’ll learn how to use a conversational approach during inspections, what prompts will assist you in using the datasheet, and how to share this data online.  Everyone will receive the CBCW manual and resources to start or refresh inspection efforts on their local lakes.
 
 
Presenter: 
Erin McFarlane, Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Specialist, UW-Extension Lakes

Hands-on Shoreland Restoration (Limit: 20) - Friday, 1:30-4:30 pm

 
Participants will be led through several hands-on activities that demonstrate shoreland restoration basics and other ideas for creating sound rehabilitation projects.  Long-term strategies for water conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement will be considered for the site and put into a draft action plan for the future.  Assorted resources for developing your own shoreland restoration plans will be shared.
 
 
Presenter: 
Nick Homan, Small Business Owner, Lakescape Solutions, LLC. Stevens Point, WI​
 


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