Concurrent Sessions

Participants will attend one concurrent session in each of the following strands:

• Understanding and Appreciating Water
• Water Issues
• Community Participation

Sessions marked with an asterisk (*) are intended for teachers.

Understanding and Appreciating Water

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates as Water Quality Indicators in Streams
Kris Stepenuck, University of Wisconsin Extension and the Water Action Volunteers Program
Did you know that many of the insects that annoy you (by biting) during the summertime carry out a portion of their life cycle in streams and their presence in those streams is an important indicator of water quality? Learn to identify a few of these macroinvertebrates and get a score of water quality for a stream nearby the conference site.

"Rediscovering" the Mississippi River
Jeffrey A. Janvrin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Mississippi River carried many of Wisconsin’s first explorers and settlers, logs from our northern forests and grain from our farmland. From its waters, we have captured fish to feed people and to stock lakes and streams throughout Wisconsin. Come discover your connection with the "Father of Waters."

River of Words: Connecting to Your Watershed Using Poetry and Art
Mary Pardee, University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Program
Participants will learn about Wisconsin River of Words, an environmental art and poetry program focusing on watersheds. They will participate in some useful activities that they can use in their home communities and schools to promote awareness of watershed issues.

Submerged in History: Using Underwater Archaeology to Interpret Wisconsin’s Maritime Past
Russ Green, Wisconsin Historical Society
An important part of Wisconsin’s archaeological record, shipwrecks and other submerged sites offer a fascinating way to learn about the past. Kept extremely well preserved by the Great Lakes’ cold, fresh water, shipwrecks in particular are virtual underwater museums- and Wisconsin is fortunate to have its fair share. Using underwater video and photographs we will explore some of Wisconsin’s 700 historic shipwrecks, discuss the basics of conducting an underwater archaeological survey and discover how underwater archaeology can provide us with a unique glimpse into Wisconsin’s maritime past.

Water: Being Safe On and Around It
Corrine Hodapp, US Army Corps of Engineers
Alcohol and drugs have no place when your on the water. You will have a chance to experience how your vision is distorted and your coordination is affected after a long day in the sun and under the influence. Be safe on the water. Also, find out what career opportunities exist with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Watersheds: Linking your Favorite Waterbody with the Rest of the World
Nancy Turyk, Center for Watershed Science and Education
Does the water in your favorite lake or river flow to the Gulf of Mexico or Hudson Bay? How does what you do near this water affect individuals that live on the East Coast or Louisiana? Learn about watershed linkages and how to determine the watershed of your favorite waterbody!

Wind, Water and Wisdom
Members of the Wisconsin Weather Stories team UW-Madison & Wisconsin Arts Board
Do you know the saying, "Wind from the east, fish bite least. Wind from the west, fish bite best."? If you fish on Wisconsin lakes, you may have said it yourself! This session will explore how atmospheric pressure and wind affect water, and how cultural and artistic sayings can result.

Wisconsin’s Waters - A Wealth of Stories
Geri Weinstein-Breunig, Cultural Waters, Inc. and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
There is no better way to discover what people value about a river than to ask them to tell their stories. Using stories she has collected through her work, Ms. Weinstein-Breunig explores how they reveal people’s ideas and vision for the river or stream in their community. She will lead the audience in identifying common themes in the stories, and their connection to water quality, water use, history and meaning.

* Waters of Wisconsin: The future of our aquatic ecosystem and resources (Teacher Session)
Shaili Pfeiffer, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
Water is our most precious resource. Yet, we see issues that threaten our waters every day, so how do we ensure a future with plentiful, clean water for generations to come? Come learn about how the Waters of Wisconsin initiative has attempted to answer this question engaging hundreds of experts and interested Wisconsinites in the processes.

Water Issues

Cranes and Wetlands
Joan Garland and Korie Klink, International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to protect cranes and their habitats. Cranes are dependent on large areas of wetland and grassland habitat. Their conservation results in protection of diverse ecosystems and large numbers of plant and animal species. In this session, participants will learn about ICF’s international programs promoting crane and wetland conservation.

Groundwater Remediation Technologies 
Zhaohui Li, University of Wisconsin – Parkside
Brief introduction of current technologies used in groundwater remediation. Students will learn different types of groundwater contamination, location of contaminant source and well as remediation strategies to treat groundwater contaminated from different sources.

The Human and Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Hydropower
Claire Schmidt, Clean Wisconsin (formerly Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade)
This session presents the environmental and social effects of large-scale hydropower, using northern Manitoba’s Pimicikamac Cree Nation’s experience as an example. Come learn about the benefits and problems of large-scale hydropower and find out how you can get involved.

Aquatic Wildlife of Streams, Rivers and Lakes
Ursula C. Petersen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
The streams of the Upper Mississippi host an incredible diversity of aquatic organisms including 95 species of freshwater mussels. These streams and their life are subjected to a variety of practices and inputs that can be harmful to this midwestern biodiversity. We are sampling stream waters for the presence and concentrations of pesticides including herbicides, and are finding small amounts of corn and soybean pesticides. What are the problems with their presence and how can we help to prevent such problems?

Business and the Environment: Environmental Choices & Wisconsin Industry
Jeff Schoepke, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
Run through a series of activities that present difficult public policy and business decisions and learn the way businesses and policymakers make decisions on environmental and economic health. Learn firsthand the role of business in protecting Wisconsin’s environment as environmental managers, engineers and specialists.

Control of Purple Loosestrife
Brian E. Guthman, Lake Holcombe School
The complete story of how the Lake Holcombe Future Farmers of America in partnership with the Lake Holcombe Improvement Association has controlled Purple Loosestrife using cultural, chemical and biological control methods. This includes raising biological control beetles.

The Importance of Wetlands to the Harmony of Nature
Eric Larsen, Oconto Falls High School
Wetlands provide a diverse ecosystem for Wisconsin wildlife. This workshop will showcase the different species of wildlife that are sustained by the many thousands of acres of wetlands in our state and the different types of wetlands found here. Discussion on saving wetlands as well as impact of wetland loss will also be discussed. Hands on exercises will also be incorporated into the presentation.

Navigating Water Politics in Wisconsin
Al Phelan and Steve Oestreicher, Wisconsin Conservation Congress
Learn about and discuss some of the most pressing water issues being addressed by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, an elected body that advises the Department of Natural Resources. We’ll talk about water quality, water recreation, fishing rights, and more.

Stormwater: What’s In It For You
Dave Fowler, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Stormwater runoff has been identified as the number one obstacle to obtaining desired water quality standards in or streams, rivers, and lakes.  These problems occur in rural, urban, and suburban areas.  It is everybody’s problem.  Come learn about the issue and some of the steps that need to be taken to fix the problems of stormwater runoff.

Thermal Depolymerization of Animal and Landfill Wastes
Bret Iverson, Oconto Falls Community Schools
Thermal depolymerization can reduce harmful wastes from livestock processors and landfills, thereby improving water quality. Water is also a byproduct of the process and is easily cleaned through a water treatment plant. Come learn about this industrial process that takes carbon-based wastes and turns them into valuable new products.

Watervaders!
Laura Felda, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Adopt-a-Lake Program
Exotic species have long threatened Wisconsin lakes. As our population becomes more mobile, these invaders tag along and create havoc in our water bodies. During this session, you will learn how to identify purple loosestrife, Eurasian water milfoil, rusty crayfish, and zebra mussels and understand why these exotics are so successful in invading our waterways. Teachers, information will be available for aquatic exotic materials for your classroom.

* Water and Energy: Making the Connection in the Classroom (Teacher Session)
Staff of the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)
Watt’s in your water? Hydroelectric dams, hot water heaters, and groundwater extraction all involve energy. Attend this hands-on session for educators to learn how the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) provides resources and courses to help you put some ENERGY into your lessons about water.

Community Participation: Getting Involved

Clean Boats, Clean Waters!
Laura Felda, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Adopt-a-Lake Program
Love lakes? Like fishing? Then this session is for you! Learn how you can develop a boat launch monitoring and education program for your community. Over 60 Wisconsin lakes now have volunteers working to protect their lake from invasive species. Sample materials, activities and instructions will be available for you to take back and start your own program. Clean Boats, Clean Waters t-shirts will be available for purchase.

Effective Letter Writing for Environmental Issues
Charles Frisk, Luxemburg-Casco High School
At this session you will learn how to write an effective letter on environmental issues. Examples of letters will be shown, writing style will be discussed, and sources of information will be covered.

Little Plover River - Save Our Streams Project: 12 Years of Water Quality Monitoring
Vic Akemann, Education for Sustainable Development Charter School
Students from Stevens Point Area High School’s Advanced Biology classes and the new Education for Sustainable Development Charter School take part in an ongoing water quality study of the Little Plover River Watershed. The study area includes sample sites beginning at the headwaters and ending at Springville Pond. This project is a cooperative venture that includes four different community groups.

Making a Difference
Laura Olah, Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
This session will focus on community organizing around groundwater issues, environmental cleanups, and environmental justice issues. We’ll explore the steps and skills necessary to lead a successful campaign that engages and empowers ordinary people.

The Practice of Community Habitat Restoration
Victoria Dahlby, River Crossing Charter School
Students and teachers from River Crossing Charter School and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association will share with you wetland restoration tips and techniques to use in school and community settings. River Crossing students will present the wetland restoration they planned and helped construct.

Promoting Awareness and Protection of Water Resources
University of Wisconsin –Stevens Point Student Chapter of the American Water Resources Association
Student members of the American Water Resources Association will present goals and common objectives of community and outreach groups. Come learn how different kinds of community programs and groups have worked successfully in various ways towards promoting awareness of water resources.

Rain Gardens
Christine V. Evans, Univ. Wisconsin-Parkside, Dept. of Geosciences
This session will provide a brief overview of rain gardens as landscape components that enhance water quality. We will discuss the hydrologic cycle, water pollution, urban impacts on water quality and supply, as well as provide ideas about how and where you can construct a rain garden.

Raising Your Voice: Communities Working to Protect the Environment
Melissa K. Scanlan, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Inc.
From Perrier to the Crandon Mine, multinational corporations are coming to Wisconsin to exploit our community resources. Local communities have been organizing across Wisconsin to protect what is important to us: our water, air, and health. In this session you will hear success stories about everyday people who got involved to make a difference in their community.