Conservation Conversations: Fire-Adapted Natural Communities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest - Jesse Lincoln

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 Jesse Lincoln. 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 8th Talk & Description:
THE HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST"- JESSE LINCOLN, MICHIGAN NATURAL FEATURES INVENTORY (MNFI)
While we were growing up, many of us were told that Michigan was just an extensive forest and that a squirrel could run from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron without touching the ground. But Michigan was historically home to a myriad of fire-adapted natural communities and many were open grasslands and featured species more typically found in the prairies of the great plains. Our prairie and savanna systems that once covered over 1 million acres in southern Michigan have declined by over 99%. As a consequence, many plants and animals that relied on these habitats are also in serious decline. To help expand conservation efforts aimed at recovering these fire-adapted community types, MNFI partnered with the US Forest Service and the Michigan DNR to identify the best remaining examples in the Cadillac District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This talk with cover the methodology for identifying important conservation targets, show some of the surprising highlights, and discuss potential management approaches and prioritization of the identified areas. 

Speaker Biography: 
Jesse Lincoln has spent 13 seasons as an ecologist at MNFI. The work takes him all over the state to some of our most unique and intact natural places. It is a perspective not always available to most people and he enjoys sharing images and lessons learned from our wild places.  

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.