Conservation Conversation: Telling Your Story: Communicating to Inspire Conservation Action - Dr. Jo Latimore

Presented by the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP)
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
6 - 8 p.m., ET
Boardman River Nature Center Community Room, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 

5:30 p.m.: check-in, refreshments, and educational table displays
6 - 7:15 p.m.: presentation
7:15 p.m.: Q/A & discussion with Dr. Jo Latimore; educational table displays; refreshments

Registration fee: $10/person ($15/person at the door)
Refunds will be given if requested on or before March 17, 2023. No refunds will be given on or after March 18, 2023.
To cancel your registration and/or to request a refund by the deadline, please send an email to bhaktabi@msu.edu. 

Join the MSU Extension Conservation Stewards Program on March 8th for the kick-off of the "Conservation Conversations" in-person talk series. Featured topics focus on current research and management approaches, unique natural communities, and the diverse conservation partnerships involved in supporting Michigan ecosystems.

During this event, there will be time for light refreshments as well as Q and A and discussion with Dr. Jo Latimore. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit with invited local conservation organizations to find out about the work they are doing including upcoming events, and how they can get involved in local conservation efforts. MSU Extension staff will also have information about the 2023 Michigan Conservation Stewards Program as well as a variety of other natural resource-oriented programs and upcoming events. 

March 21th Talk & Description:
Telling Your Story: Communicating to Inspire Conservation Action - Dr. Jo Latimore, Aquatic Ecologist and Outreach Specialist, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
How can conservation advocates effectively communicate about environmental issues to inspire action that protects our natural world? The art of storytelling and the science of communication offer tools that can help us reach our conservation goals. We will discuss how to weave stories into your communications and how to develop a strategy for reaching your desired audiences that moves them to become better environmental stewards.    

Speaker Biography: 
Dr. Jo Latimore is an aquatic ecologist in Michigan State University’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, based in Traverse City. She specializes in the protection and management of lakes, rivers, and the landscapes that support them. As an outreach specialist, she works collaboratively with communities, natural resource managers, and scientists to develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing aquatic systems. Her current work includes guiding Michigan’s statewide volunteer lake and stream monitoring program and developing creative approaches to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Dr. Latimore has taught MSU courses on aquatic ecosystem management, science communication, and aquatic entomology, and teaches Extension programs on aquatic plants, lake ecology, water quality monitoring, invasive species, and natural resources leadership. Dr. Latimore enjoys spending time on the water in her free time as well, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing Michigan’s waterways.
 

Who should attend this "Conservation Conversation" event?   

• Anyone interested in nature who want to learn more about natural communities and conservation efforts in Michigan

• Individuals who have previously completed the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program interested in continuing their learning and networking/connecting with other alumni.

  Registration for Conservation Stewards participants is free.

• Natural resource professionals who want to build their knowledge on ecosystem-based management principles

• Individuals who want to learn more about the Michigan Conservation Steward Program as well as other MSU/MSU Extension programs and events being offered in 2023 

• Those who want to learn about area conservation organizations and their local conservation efforts, including upcoming programs and events  

To see the complete 2023 schedule for the other 2023 "Conservation Conversations" in-person talks, https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/  

To learn more about the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
If you would like to receive information about future CSP offerings, sign up here.