2023 “Conservation Conversations” Events: Meet Scientists & Stewards!
The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) is hosting a series of in-person events held in various locations on current research and management approaches, unique natural communities, and diverse partnerships involved in supporting Michigan ecosystems.

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments, ask questions and engage in discussion with the featured speaker, and mingle with Conservation Stewards and invited local organizations who will share information about the work they do and how to get involved in local conservation efforts. MSU Extension staff will also provide information about the 2023 Fall Michigan Conservation Stewards Programs and other MSU Extension programs being offered in 2023. Each “Conservation Conversation” event will take place from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Registration fee is $10/person. Individuals who have previously taken the Conservation Stewards Program attend for free. Pre-registration is required.

The kick-off for the “Conservation Conversations” series will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at MSU Kellogg Biological Station Conference Center Auditorium, 3700 E Gull Lake Dr. in Hickory Corners, MI 49060. The featured scientist is Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) ecologist, Jesse Lincoln. Jesse will present on “Fire-adapted natural communities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.” This event is supported by the Michigan Master Naturalist Program.

Learn more about this and other scheduled Conservation Conversations and how to get registered at https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/

March 8 Talk:
Fire-adapted natural communities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest:
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 planes. 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 United States Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 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.

About the Speaker:
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 Conservation Conversations events?
• Anyone interested in nature who wants 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

Contact Bindu Bhakta (bhaktabi@msu.edu or 248-396-9777) with questions about this event.