2015 Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Conference

January 24, 2015

8 AM to 4:15 PM
Oshkosh Convention Center
Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Keynote 9:00

Aldo Leopold, Phenology and Climate Change, Dr. Temple is the Beers-Bascom Professor Emeritus in Conservation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For 32 years he held the academic position once occupied by Aldo Leopold.
Dr. Stanley Temple, our keynote speaker, will trace how the invaluable records Aldo Leopold kept of when plants bloomed, birds migrated, and other natural events occurred, paved the way to understanding how climate change is affecting our ecological community.

Concurrent Session I 10:30-10:45

Landscaping With Native Plants, Carol Bangs Carol K. Bangs & AssociatesLandscaping With Native Plants Carol Bangs Carol K. Bangs & Associates

What can we learn from native plant communities? Are all native plants suited to residential landscapes? What are the special features to be considered about these plants?Interactions Between Plants and Insects Dr. Gretchen Meyer,Senior Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station

Interactions Between Plants and Insects Dr. Gretchen Meyer
Senior Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station

Plants and insects are linked in many ways. Plants with colorful flowers often rely on insects for pollination, but plants also must contend with the numerous insects trying to eat them. In the case of carnivorous plants, plants have turned the tables on insects and can trap and consume them! This presentation will cover these links between plants and insects, including pollination, herbivory and carnivorous plants, focusing on plants of Wisconsin.

Ecology, Economics, or Culture: What Determines the Composition of Your Prairie? Scott Weber Owner, Bluestem Farm

In spite of 70 years of prairie and savanna restoration in Wisconsin, few plantings match the composition and diversity of our native remnant prairies. Many iconic species such as gentians, shooting stars, prairie lilies, and other “conservative” species are lacking or under-represented. This talk will challenge widely held beliefs of restoration ecology and show why our remnant prairies should be the model for all plantings.

Concurrent Session II 1:15 to 2:30

Grassland Bird Conservation, John Dadisman, Research Scientist, Wisconsin DNR

As America’s prairie grasses gave way to agriculture in the 19th and early 20th century, many of the bird species that inhabited native prairies were able to adapt to the hayfields and pastures. However, over the past 40 years grassland bird populations have declined more than any other group of birds. We’ll take a look at who these birds are, why their numbers are declining, and how high-quality prairie restoration and protection can help.

Wetland Restorations: Are They for the Birds? Jill Hapner, Ph.D., Senior Biologist, GeoBotany Consulting Services

Despite decades of interest in wetland restoration there have been few studies of the characteristics that make a restored wetland good bird habitat. Jill will describe her research on how bird use of small created and restored wetlands changes over time. She will also discuss the effects of wetland design and land use surrounding the wetland, revealing whether the wetlands are indeed “for the birds.”

Karner Blue Recovery: Where We Were, Where We Stand, and Where We Are Going, Bob Hess Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Coordinator, Wisconsin DNR

The barrens communities of Wisconsin are home to a number of unique and rare species, including the Karner blue butterfly. In his presentation on "the barrens and the blues in a changing climate," Bob Hess will explore the development of the Karner recovery program in Wisconsin, habitat restoration efforts, ongoing research and findings, current status, challenges to the Karner recovery program, and a plan to accommodate climatic changes.

Concurrent Session III 3 to 4:15

Be Woods Wise, Tracey Koenig, Executive Director Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Learn how to evaluate woodland properties and establish targets for habitat management. Look at your wooded yard or lot with a new eye. What do you add to make your woods attractive to wildlife? What do you get rid of? How do you deal with impending management issues such as the Emerald Ash Borer?

Invasive Plants and Those Earthworms Underneath, Bernie Williams Invasive Species Specialist - Forest Health, Wisconsin DNR Invasive plants are on the move. Learn how to identify and understand them, and why earthworms are giving them an extra boost!

Prairies: Continuing the Legacy of a Wisconsin Ecosystem, Amanda Zopp Larsen Legacy Senior Naturalist, Riveredge Nature Center

Amanda will discuss best management practices for managing prairie habitats. Her talk will include discussion on what the future of prairie management might look like and what we might be managing for in the years to come.