People can learn about nature and the conservation efforts being made in the region from the comfort of their own homes this winter thanks to a webinar series free and open to the public.
Leelanau Conservation District announced its 2024 lineup of speakers just last week for its upcoming winter webinar series scheduled for select Tuesday evenings in January and February. District Forester Ellie Johnson said she first had the idea for the series when she started in her position in October 2021 amid the COVID19 pandemic, adding that it was part of her grant metrics to meet for the state to provide educational events to the public. The virtual series has continued since then, and helps attendees avoid driving in the snow when the weather is intense, making it easily accessible to those who move or who live out of state in the winter months.
Johnson said she hopes those interested in registering for one of the webinars are able to take away a deeper understanding and appreciation for not only the natural world around them, but for the organizations on the local, state, and national levels that work to conserve and manage these natural resources.
“All of these speakers are excellent, young professionals who are passionate about the environment,” Johnson said. “I just like listening and learning from them myself.”
All of the events have also been approved by the national Society of American Foresters for one category 1 CFE, meaning that those looking to earn specific credits can do so by attending a session. Johnson explained how numerous professional organizations require continuing education credits in order for a member’s certification/ credentials to still be viable. Other groups such as International Society of Arborists (ISA), Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), and DNR’s Registered Foresters all have some type of continuing education requirement where members need to earn a specific number every year.
The first hour long session on Jan. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. is called “field botany to front yard” and will feature Matthew Ross, executive director of the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park, where he will outline ways in which plants in their natural habitat provide valuable lessons for gardeners, horticulture professionals, and ecologists. From determining the perfect plant combinations to playing botanical CSI, Ross will walk people through various ways in which field botany can play a vital role in determining the success of plants in a cultivated setting. He will share gardening tips, techniques on how best to maximize time spent in the field, and how to apply the lessons learned to your own garden.
The second session in the series on Jan. 23 will concentrate on conservation of vernal pools in Michigan. Abby Pointer, Michigan vernal pools coordinator at the Michigan Nature Association, will talk about the importance of these wetlands to a functioning forest, and how it is also overlooked. Pointer will go in depth about the ongoing conservation work happening in the state to protect vernal pools and opportunities to take part in this collaborative effort.
On February 6, a discussion on the future of Michigan’s old growth will be led by Nick Sanchez, network manager at the Old-Growth Forest Network. Sanchez will explore the status of old growth in Michigan and the importance of old forests for human health, biodiversity and water quality. Sanchez will also talk about actions needed to protect and restore old growth and how to connect people to these forests.
The last webinar in the winter series is on February 20, and dives into Michigan’s invasive species regulatory pathway. Katie Grzesiak, terrestrial invasive species coordinator for the Michigan DNR, will lead people in a discussion about the procedures for adding invasive species to the prohibited and restricted lists.
All free webinars require registration before attending virtually. To register online and learn more, go to https://natureiscalling. org/events.
