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Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education Hosts Virtual Symposium on Invasive Species Research on Dec. 17, 2021

calender iconDec 13, 2021
pruning invasive species in Great Lakes

pruning invasive species in Great Lakes

Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) will host a virtual symposium, Invading Classrooms and Communities, to inform the public about invasive species research and issues affecting Great Lakes ecosystems and economies on Dec. 17, 2021, from 1 to 3 PM.

Since the early 1800s, aquatic invasive species (AIS) have entered the Great Lakes watershed and 180 are now established. There are currently 14 AIS on Michigan’s invasive species watch list and 43 AIS are listed as prohibited or restricted. European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) and Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) are two examples of recent and rapidly-spreading invaders found in the St. Marys River and elsewhere in Michigan. Both of these research foci at LSSU CFRE, supported by grant funding from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP: Michigan.gov/Invasives).

Many federal, tribal, state, provincial, local, and private organizations and institutions act both individually and in partnership to help control invasive species and mitigate their impact on other organisms, ecosystems, and economies. The Invading Classrooms and Communities symposium introduces some of these individuals and organizations, their actions, and ways to help stop the introduction and spread of invasive species.

“As a leader in protecting the environment in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and beyond, LSSU makes many efforts like this virtual symposium to inform the public about the part it can play in advancing eco-friendliness,” said LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley. “Activities like this one from CFRE reinforce part of our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Great Lakes region and part of our strategic plan to promote sustainability.”

Presenters include Dr. Ashley Moerke, LSSU CFRE director; Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski, LSSU CFRE assistant director of research; Jesse Wesolek, LSSU CFRE research technician; Michael Hindy, Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area program coordinator; Paige Filice, Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes coordinator; and Dakota VanFleet, LSSU undergraduate student.

Registration for the symposium is encouraged, though not required: https://forms.gle/LNajVfsApDn54KjP8

Symposium Zoom URL: https://lssu.zoom.us/j/96518086295. Meeting ID: 965 1808 6295

This seminar will be recorded.  Watch for a link through CFRE social media, LSSU_CFRE, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.