Wild About Conservation

Select Tuesdays
June – September 2024
1 - 2 p.m. ET

All sessions are FREE. Attend as many or as few as you like. 

Registrations are checked up to two hours prior to the live broadcast. 
New registrations made after the live broadcast will result in receiving recorded links to all of the the past webinars in the series and are able to participate in upcoming live webinars.

This online conservation seminar series is for adults and older youth interested in conservation efforts in their yards, or properties. This series can also provide education and information and may be of interest to anyone looking for ways to enhance their property to create a sanctuary for nature out their back door.

Join us as we explore together ways to enhance our yards, gardens, and land to protect and enhance backyard wildlife. The Wild About Conservation will be held approximately every two weeks on Tuesdays starting June 11 at 1 p.m. ET. Each online seminar will feature an MSU Extension professional or experienced guest to present on a topic in their area of expertise. Conservation techniques teaches us how to enhance and change our yards to become resilient and provide small sanctuary for wildlife.

Free for all 8 sessions! Have to miss a session? No worries, all sessions will be recorded and available viewing approximately one week later. 
 
2024 Schedule

11-June	What is Climate: Kicking off with exploring the fundamental difference between what is weather and what is climate and why we are calling it a crisis. With Beth Clawson, MSU Extension Michigan Naturalist Program.
25-June	How can compost help our climate: Composting is not only one aspect of sustainability it also helps reduce harmful climate gas releases from landfills. Presented by Eliza Hensel, MSU Extension Compost Specialist.
9-July	Tree migration: How much assistance do they need? Join us as we examine strategic ways to encourage forest diversity by actively establishing southern tree species in northern settings. With Georgia Peterson, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, Social Forestry.
23-July	Managing Stormwater: Stormwater Management is an ongoing concern for any rain event. It is increasingly so when faced with erratic weather patterns related to climate change. Presented by Ruth Kline-Robach, PhD, MSU Outreach Specialist Depth of Community Sustainability.
13-August	Resilient Shorelines: Discover how to protect shorelines on Michigan's Lakes from water quality issues related to increased variable weather events and prevent erosion, poor water quality, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Our guest speaker, Julia Kirkwood, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
27-August	Guiding neighborhood trees through climate change: Journey with us as we explore the effects of climate change on yard trees and what we can do to mitigate negative effects with Julie Crick, MSU Extension Forestry
10-September	Reforest Vine: Urban Forest restoration: Their mission is simple yet impactful: to create an urban forest by planting in small spaces like curb lawns. Starting with one small tree to enhance improvements in air quality, and space and food for local wildlife. With our guests Mitch Lettow, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, and Joe Byars, Michigan Naturalist.
24-September	Rare species and the impact of climate change: Gather around for a lively panel discussion with Michigan Natural Features Inventory panelists Ashley Cole-Wick, Logan Rowe, and Julie Mclaughlin as they discuss how climate change affects different endangered species in Michigan.

Note: Topics are subject to change.

These events are free of charge. You will receive a zoom link prior to each program one week and again one day before as a reminder.