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ADV - Freshwater Mussel Field Day - Teachers & MMN
Freshwater Mussel Field Day - Teachers & MMN website
450 9th AvenueGranite Falls, MN 56241
Join us for our fifth annual freshwater mussel field day with MN DNR malacologist, Bernard Sietman. You will be hard pressed to find anyone as passionate and knowledgeable about mussels as this transplanted Missourian. Since 2002, he has worked across Minnesota surveying mussels. One of the more excited aspects of his job is the potential discovery of a new species for the Minnesota River Basin, the Mapleleaf.
Bernard received his Master of Science degree in Biology from the Emporia State University where he studied the ecology and genetics of freshwater mussels in two local rivers. After graduation he worked as a Natural History Biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation surveying freshwater mussels, conducting landowner interviews and assisting with stream fish surveys. Sietman spent time as an Aquatic Ecologist and Assistant Technical Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Here he assisted with overseeing of a nationally renowned mollusk and fish collections.
WHAT: Freshwater Mussel Teacher & Master Naturalist Field Day
WHEN: Friday, Oct 11th
WHO: This is not just for science teachers folks - writing, art, history, social studies of multiple grade levels. Master Naturalists will get ideas for public presentations and supplemental activities
WHERE: We will begin at the YME HS board room beginning at 9am and then we will head out to the Upper Sioux Agency State Park Campground to access the confluence of the Yellow Medicine and the Minnesota River.
Bernard Seitman from the MN DNR and Peg Furshong, Director of Programs at CURE and a MN Master Naturalist Instructor will lead you on a day of adventure as we share with you the "Jewels of the Minnesota River". You will not only get the science around mussels, but you will learn about their role in MN history from the river valley, their importance to the ecology balance and learn from each other about ways to incorporate mussels into your curriculum.
You will need to come prepared to get in the water so boots/waders, change of clothes, towel (just in case), a sack lunch, camp chair, camera and a sense of adventure. If you are not wanting to get into the water that is fine and not necessary to participate. (direct water activity will depend on water levels)
We have done this activity in the past and had great responses - people really enjoyed themselves and learned about a little known jewel from their own back yard.
The course cost is $15 and includes course manuals and supplies.
Course Dates:
Meeting from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on:
Instructor Information
Peg Furshong is the Director of Programs at CURE (Clean Up the River Environment) in southwestern Minnesota. CURE works in the areas of climate education, building a clean energy economy and improving water quality in the Minnesota River Basin. Peg began as a volunteer with Minnesota Master Naturalist in 2015. As an educator, throughout most of her professional career, Peg has worked with young adults in higher education - facilitating programs in leadership, civic engagement, sustainability and diversity. Born and raised in Montana, she came to Minnesota with a love for nature and the values of environmental stewardship. Peg holds a M.S. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Information, Process and Communication (IPC) from Montana State University-Billings.
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