In the inaugural year of the Ask an Expert series, International Watershed Coordinator Kelli Saunders hosted seven webinars. In 2020, the State of Minnesota provided tech support and hosting for the webinar series.
Dr. Vince Palace, Head Research Scientist at IISD-Experimental Lakes Area, will provide an overview of whole ecosystem science conducted at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area facility with a particular focus on an ongoing study of the environmental impacts of oil on freshwater systems and the potential of different clean-up methods.
IISD-Experimental Lakes Area is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds, set aside for scientific research. By manipulating these small lakes, scientists are able to examine how all aspects of the ecosystem – from the atmosphere to fish populations – respond. This unique research approach has influenced billion-dollar decisions of governments and industries. It has generated more cost-effective environmental policies, regulations and management, all to ensure the safety of our freshwater supplies. Research at IISD-Experimental Lakes Area on the environmental impacts of oil spills on freshwater systems started in 2017 and has included work aimed at understanding when oil is released into freshwater systems and improving our understanding of the implications for different methods of cleaning it up.
Rob Davis is a wastewater consultant and educator with EcoEthic Inc and is also a waterfront resident. This session will focus on how various sewage systems work and what causes them to pollute or fail.
Join in for an engaging and humorous discussion of all things septic and wastewater.
In border country, lakes are a huge part of our lives. We live on them, play in them, fish in them, and depend on them. But lakes are more than just a big body of water. Listen to the very entertaining Matt Julius (St. Cloud State) and Mark Edlund (Science Museum of Minnesota) as they discuss how lakes form, different types of lakes, how they function, how we manage them, and how lucky we are to have lakes in our lives.
Join Dan Steward (Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources) and James Aasen (Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District) to talk about forestland conservation tools and their connection to Minnesota’s One Watershed One Plans through the Landscape Stewardship Plan (LSP). Gain insights from his examples from the lakes and streams of north-central Minnesota. You’ll also get information on resources available to you in your area (U.S. residents).
Join Tiffany Sprague and Jesse Schomberg with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program to hear an overview of practices you can do at your home or small business to manage stormwater. Allowing runoff to infiltrate your property keeps community infrastructure, local streams and your neighbours happy. Many practices also provide additional benefits such as a colourful aesthetic with beautiful flowers and habitat for pollinators, birds and beneficial wildlife. This presentation will give you the vocabulary and starting point to dig deeper into practices you may wish to install.
Most people don’t even notice algae. But algae form the base of the food chain in Lake of the Woods. Mark Edlund with the Science Museum of Minnesota and Matt Julius of St. Cloud State will talk about different types of algae, their role in our lakes and rivers, and what happens when algae go bad.
Presented by Lucas King (Grand Council Treaty #3), this presentation will focus on the development of the Declaration and how, as an Indigenous values policy, the Declaration can influence and guide watershed management, planning and protection moving forward.
Your donation supports our work to protect the
Lake’s water quality for future generations.
