Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 pm
Hibernation
Hannah Carey, UW School of Veterinary Medicine

Hibernating animals undergo remarkable changes in their physiology during the winter months. Their metabolism drops to very low levels, heart rate and breathing are greatly reduced, and body temperature falls close to freezing. Hibernators like the 13-lined ground squirrel store up large amounts of body fat in the late summer and fall, which provides them with energy during the winter fast. Dr. Hannah Carey will talk about the amazing physiology of hibernating mammals, and how insights from hibernation biology can lead to new approaches to improve the health of humans and other animals.

Monday, July 21, 7:00 pm
Cellulosic Ethanol in the Northwoods: Implications for Our Forests and Wildlife
Amber Roth, PhD Student, Michigan Tech University

As demand and interest in renewable energy grows, new research has focused on identifying new sources for ethanol production. The greatest potential for expanding ethanol production in the US will not be from corn but rather from cellulosic sources including our forests. Though this industry will provide new economic opportunities for Northwoods communities, many residents wonder about the potential impact on our wildlife. Can we find a win-win scenario where both the economy and wildlife can benefit?

Tuesday, July 29, 7:00 pm
Exotic Earthworms
Cindy Hale, University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources

Researchers have been studying the affect of exotic earthworms on ecosystems since the 1990’s. Dr. Cindy Hale, the pioneer researcher to study European earthworm communities in Minnesota hardwood forests, will provide an overview of this research and an update on what is going on today.  Learn about earthworm anatomy and identification, how exotic worms may be impacting Wisconsin’s forests, and how you can get involved in earthworm surveys.

Monday, August 11, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Wisconsin Soils: Get to Know What’s Down Below!
Nick Balster, UW-Madison Department of Soil Science

On any Sunday afternoon drive, it’s easy to experience the diverse and beautiful landscapes that blanket Wisconsin. However, an often overlooked and mistreated resource of equal diversity and beauty also underlies this area. Come and experience the extraordinary properties and rich diversity of Wisconsin soils. Dr. Nick Balster will discuss the historic and present role of soils in the development of Wisconsin’s landscapes and on the maintenance of life on earth. Hands-on activities (great for all ages) will help you identify soil characteristics essential to the function of this dynamic underground world. You will leave with a new appreciation for soil and a new fascination of what goes on below our feet. So please join us as we take a hands-on, “down and dirty” journey into the wonderful world of soil!!

Monday, August 18, 7:00 pm
Bat Night
David Redell, Ecologist, Wisconsin DNR

Leave your binoculars at home, pick up an ultrasound detector, and listen for bats flying at Kemp. We will start with an overview of the natural history of eight bat species in Wisconsin and then discuss inventory and monitoring plans for the state. Learn about the citizen-based bat monitoring project and how you can participate. After sunset we will walk through the area and search for bats that are foraging for insects.

Monday, August 25, 7:00 pm
Turkeys in Wisconsin
Scott Craven, UW-Extension State Wildlife Specialist

If you didn’t hear Scott Craven “talk turkey” last year, here’s your chance to get the low down on a big bird that’s fairly new to the state. Everything turkey will be covered, including the bird’s physical and behavioral characteristics, how they make a living, and the status of the bird in the state. Don’t miss this fun and informative talk!

Friday, August 29, 7:00 pm
Flying squirrels responses to silvicultural treatments in the NHAL and Argonne forests
Stephanie Steinhoff, MS Student, UW-Madison

When almost all of Wisconsin was logged in the late nineteen century, historic and mature forests disappeared from the landscape. Today the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is trying to restore old-growth forests through specialized silvicultural techniques. In a collaborative study with the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, we are studying flying squirrels as an indicator species for the success of these prescriptions in promoting native wildlife. Come learn more about these innovative forest treatments and about the flying squirrels of the northern mixed forests.