Conferences & Events
Sea Grant of Michigan launches MI Paddle Stewards to detect and report AIS
The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips... Read more »
Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” – Climate Change Effects on Fisheries
Itasca Waters puts on a virtual learning series (think one-hour webinar) every first Thursday of the month at noon CT. Mark your calendars now and register for these sessions. Registration is... Read more »
Protect wild rice by removing rusty crayfish – May 1
On May 1 at noon CT, you will find a webinar put on by the MAISRC AIS Detectors program. Brennan Pederson and Valerie Brady will be presenting. Register now! Here... Read more »
What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes (May 28 – virtual)
Often, invasive aquatic plants exist unseen, lurking and spreading below the waterline until they’ve grown into a major problem. Fortunately, a trained eye can find these invaders before they wreak... Read more »
AIS Detectors training (May and June)
The AIS Detectors Core Course is an introduction to aquatic invasive species (AIS) science, identification, and surveillance. You will learn how to identify and... Read more »
WAPOA’s 9th Annual AIS Roundtable
Explore the latest research on starry stonewort, zebra mussels' impact on fish mercury levels, eDNA for volunteer AIS surveillance, and machine learning-driven boater movement modeling. Plus, discover new strategies for... Read more »
Lake Stewardship Symposium (May 31 – Ottertail)
The symposium targets issues that are top of mind for lake property owners, including: AIS prevention 2025 Minnesota Legislative session Vacation lake home rentals (VRBOs) Shoreline restoration opportunities Updates from... Read more »
Midwest Beaver Summit 2025 (June 5 – virtual & Skokie, IL)
If you are gnawing for more insights into beavers after the fascinating presentation at the March MN COLA meeting, check out the Midwest Beaver Summit 2025. This hybrid session can... Read more »
Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections & Maintenance (June 5 – Virtual)
Northwoods Excavating, a family-owned and operated business from Balsam, MN will be conducting an inspection of a septic system in Itasca County, highlighting the key aspects they assess as septic... Read more »
MN COLA Annual Membership Meeting
MN COLA’s Annual meeting is coming up soon, and besides electing Board Members, we will have 2 key topics: Strategies for continuing to provide AIS prevention with potential funding cuts.... Read more »
Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional Response to Hydrilla (June 25 – virtual)
Hydrilla is known as one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control. When it was found for the first time in Michigan in September 2023, the Michigan Invasive... Read more »
Biology and Management of Starry Stonewort (July 10 – virtual)
Dr. Dan Larkin, from the University of Minnesota will talk about the history of starry stonewort in North America and Minnesota, what we know about factors that influence its spread,... Read more »