EmpowerU! Tools to Engage Decision Makers
Presenter: Angela Gupta, University of Minnesota Extension
Abstract: EmpowerU is a new curriculum developed in Minnesota and piloted across the nation to empower citizens (and many citizen scientists and master volunteers) to engage decision makers in invasive species management. UMN Extension heard from master volunteers that they wanted to know how to approach decision makers to focus on invasive species. This inspired the development of EmpowerU a flipped classroom curriculum created by Extension experts in Natural Resources and Leadership & Civic Engagement. Online content includes details about What, Who and Why; Reliable information; Who can solve the problem; Influence, Power & Persuasion; Listening & Questions; Framing an issue; and developing an engagement plan. The in-person workshop allows participants to practice their engagement skills like an elevator pitch and speaking at a formal board meeting.
After one year of revision and pilot implementation in seven states, we know from evaluation data, that participants are extremely satisfied and find value in both the online and in-person activities. One participant said it “changed my life” another felt “much more qualified to build and present a strong case for advocacy around environmental concerns.” Another participant in Wisconsin shared on a 6-12 month follow-up evaluation that she was able to work across property lines to manage a healthy stand of invasive crown vetch next to a newly-planted prairie after completing the course.
Presenter Bio: Angela Gupta, UMN Extension Forester and EmpowerU project lead, focuses on terrestrial invasive species. As a primary leader for the Forest Pest First Detector Program she enables participants to inform science through invasive species early detection, and by generating invasive species distribution and density data. Angela’s been with Extension for 15 years in SE Minnesota. She has a BS in Forestry and a MA in Organizational Management.
Monarchs and Citizen Science: Informing Conservation Decisions
Presenter: Katie-Lyn Bunney, Monarch Joint Venture
Abstract: Monarch citizen science has been around for decades, and much of what we know about monarch biology and migration has been possible because of citizen science. From tagging to counting larvae, someone somewhere is studying something about monarchs at any given point in their annual life cycle. Join experts from the Monarch Joint Venture to learn how monarch citizen science has been used in conservation decision making, how it relates to the Endangered Species Act Species Status Assessment, and how you can get involved, too.
Presenter Bio: Katie-Lyn coordinates the Monarch Joint Venture's education program, which consists of citizen science trainings, teacher workshops and local outreach, as well as making connections between MJV partners and the public. Communicating how decisions are made for monarch conservation is a large part of Katie-Lyn's role.
Putting Citizen Monitoring Data to Work for Minnesota Waters
Presenters: Laurie Sovell & Shannon Martin, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Abstract: For over 40 years, citizen scientists have gathered critically important water clarity data on Minnesota lakes and streams as part of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Citizen Lake and Stream Monitoring Programs (CMP). This information helps us better understand the health of Minnesota’s waters and manage them now and for future generations. The MPCA uses CMP data in two primary ways: 1) to inform water quality assessments mandated under the Clean Water Act and 2) to conduct statistical tests on changes in lake and stream water clarity over time. We will provide specific examples of how CMP data have been used in water quality assessments, show how volunteers have engaged in watershed efforts beyond the CMP, and describe recent improvements to long-term water clarity trend analyses.
Presenter Bio: Laurie Sovell coordinates the Citizen Stream Monitoring Program (CSMP) for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She has degrees in Zoology and Fisheries Biology & Water Resources. Since launching the program in 1998, Laurie’s work has focused on improved CSMP data quality, full integration of the program into the agency’s watershed approach, and the inclusion of citizen science and public engagement in water quality protection and improvement.