Lake State to host virtual symposium on invasive species research

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Lake Superior State University is shown.
Lake Superior State University is shown.

SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education will host a virtual symposium to inform the public about invasive species research and issues affecting Great Lakes ecosystems and economies.

The virtual symposium, called "Invading Classrooms and Communities," will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 17.

“As a leader in protecting the environment in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and beyond, LSSU makes many efforts like this virtual symposium to inform the public about the part it can play in advancing eco-friendliness,” said Lake State President Dr. Rodney Hanley in a press release. “Activities like this one from the Center for Freshwater Research and Education reinforce part of our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Great Lakes region and part of our strategic plan to promote sustainability.”

Since the early 1800s, aquatic invasive species have entered the Great Lakes watershed and 180 are now established. There are currently 14 aquatic invasive species on Michigan’s invasive species watch list and 43 aquatic invasive species are listed as prohibited or restricted. European frog-bit and Didymo are two examples of recent and rapidly-spreading invaders found in the St. Marys River and elsewhere in Michigan. Both of these research foci at Lake State’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education, supported by grant funding from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

European frogbit infestation near the Munuscong Bay.
European frogbit infestation near the Munuscong Bay.

Many federal, tribal, state, provincial, local and private organizations and institutions act both individually and in partnership to help control invasive species and mitigate their impact on other organisms, ecosystems, and economies. The symposium introduces some of these individuals and organizations, their actions and ways to help stop the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Presenters include Dr. Ashley Moerke, Lake State Center for Freshwater Research and Education director; Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski, Lake State Center for Freshwater Research and Education assistant director of research; Jesse Wesolek, Lake State Center for Freshwater Research and Education research technician; Michael Hindy, Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area program coordinator; Paige Filice, Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes coordinator; and Dakota VanFleet, Lake State undergraduate student.

Registration for the symposium is encouraged, though not required, and can be found at forms.gle/LNajVfsApDn54KjP8. The Zoom URL is lssu.zoom.us/j/96518086295. The meeting ID is 965 1808 6295.

This seminar will be recorded. A link to the recording will be posted through the Center for Freshwater Research and Education’s social media, LSSU_CFRE, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

More information about Lake Superior State University can be found at www.lssu.edu.

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Lake State to host virtual symposium on invasive species research