UW-Extension Lakes Aquatic Plant ID Training – June 27th, 28th, or 29th, 2017

Aquatic Plant Identification Training

Hosted by UW-Extension Lakes – Learn how to identify aquatic plants from the experts!

Training Description

Learn from the experts to identify aquatic plants at the one of three workshops in northern Wisconsin: June 27th, 28th, or 29th, 2017

Experts Susan Knight of UW-Trout Lake Station, Paul Skawinski from UW-Extension Lakes, and Michelle Nault from the Wisconsin DNR will introduce you to the many groups of aquatic plants that call Wisconsin lakes home, and teach you how to distinguish between the various species.

Three popular aquatic plant identification guides are available for pre-order during registration at nicely reduced prices just for workshop participants.  Pre-ordered books will be delivered to you at the workshops. A small number of each guide will also be available for sale on-site.

Training sessions will help participants:

• Understand the ecological role of aquatic plants in Wisconsin’s water bodies
• Learn how to distinguish the many species of aquatic plants that exist in Wisconsin
• Learn about various aquatic habitats and which species like to grow there​

Northern Location – Kemp Natural Resources Station Boathouse, Woodruff, WI

• June 27 (8:30 am-5:30 pm)
• June 28 (8:30 am-5:30 pm)
• June 29 (8:30 am-4:30 pm)

Registration: $15 (includes a catered lunch) Click here to register

Lodging: Dormitory-style lodging is available at Kemp Station for $40 per night per person. Contact Karla to reserve your lodging karla.ortman@wisc.edu, 715-358-5667

Agenda

8:30 am-2:00 pm          Classroom in Sunset Lodge – Plant Ecology and Identification

12:00-12:45 pm            Lunch (catered)

2:00-3:00 pm                Field identification of aquatic plants on Sunset Lake

3:00-4:00 pm                Choose one breakout session:

• Advanced Aquatic Plant ID: Know your plants pretty well? Practice your taxonomic keying skills on some of the more cryptic species you might encounter. Species covered will likely include thin-leaved pondweeds, watermilfoils, bladderworts, naiads, bur-reeds, and others. This workshop is guided by the needs of the participants.
• Algae Identification: Learn to identify some of Wisconsin’s most common macroscopic algae, including filamentous green algae. Learn how to recognize blue-green algal bloom-forming groups as well.
• Point-intercept Aquatic Plant Survey Protocol: Learn or review the Wisconsin standardized aquatic macrophyte point-intercept sampling protocol. Use this breakout session to standardize your methods and practice in-field sampling, data recording, and aquatic macrophyte identification.
• Wetland Invasive Species ID: This session will explore many invasive wetland plants that are threatening and invading waterbodies across the state. Learn how to recognize and identify the invaders of most concern, and how to distinguish them from similar native species. Note:  This break out session is not available Thursday, June 29.
• Aquatic Invasive Plants on the Horizon: A number of aquatic invasive plants are on Wisconsin’s doorstep. Learn to identify these new invaders before they arrive, so you are prepared to recognize them.

4:30-5:30 pm               Characeae: Dr. Ken Karol, New York Botanical Garden; Dr. John Hall, University of Maryland (not available on Thursday, June 29)