Plug into Wetlands

Don Uzarski, biologist at Central Michigan University, presented extensive research on wetlands: their components and their ever-changing make-up due to natural and human influences. His cutting-edge presentations found an audience not only with us, but in testimony to the EPA.

In our visit to a wetland, we checked fyke nets previously set up by Do, and Brandon Schroeder. The first one was almost high and dry, evidence of a seiche in progress (Hey, seiche happens!). Our captures in the second fyke net were largemouth bass, a few sunfish, and bluntnose minnows. Our trail to the shoreline took us through some alien invasive plants: purple loosestrife and phragmites.

In his presentation on regional Native American culture, Nick Reo of Michigan State University extension emphasized a traditional land ethic which considers people as an integral part of natural ecosystems.

In a reflective evening, we relived the highlights and “special” moments of the past week. An abundance of appreciation to Alpena’s own Jennifer Poli for her efforts to publicize the workshop. We enjoyed the lead story about the COSEE program on the 11 p.m. newscast. Accolades to Doug Damery for his high-tech whiz-dom with the blog and for his closing Powerpoint!

Humor Corner
It’s dig-up-able. (Brandon)
…too special to include. (Howard)
You can remediate stupid. (Randy)