The West Metro Chapter of Master Naturalist Volunteers is hosting the virtual event Bugs Below Zero: Engaging Citizens in Winter Research. This event was developed to raise awareness about the winter life of bugs, inspire learning about stream food webs, and engage citizen scientists in research and environmental stewardship.
Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program Leader and Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator Amy Schrank, University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Rebecca Swenson, and Southwest Minnesota State University Associate Professor of Biology Alyssa Anderson will be presenting Bugs Below Zero: Engaging Citizens in Winter Research.
Bugs Below Zero is a Minnesota Sea Grant project designed to show avid trout fishers, teachers, and K-12 students the importance of winter stream food webs and how they can be involved in community science to contribute to stream conservation and winter ecology research.
Some insects, including stoneflies, mayflies, caddisflies and non-biting midges are active in the winter months. These bugs are able to survive below-zero temperatures and can often be found on snow banks. They are also a vitally important food for trout. Researchers are examining how seasonal changes may alter these insects’ life-cycles and trout populations. Now, the research group is looking for volunteers to help with monitoring efforts and to expand the scope of this research program.
Registration
This event will be online only. A link will be provided shortly before the event. Continue to check the University of Minnesota Extension Minnesota Master Naturalist Meetings and Events webpage for updates.
Presenters
- Rebecca Swenson, associate professor, Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota.
- Amy Schrank, extension program leader and fisheries and aquaculture extension educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth.
- Alyssa Anderson, associate professor, Biology, Southwest Minnesota State University.
Contact
Amy Schrank, fisheries and aquaculture extension educator and extension program leader, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth.
Image credit: Krista Styer