2024 Conference
Photo Credit: Josh Lallaman
The Prairie Enthusiasts 2024 Conference
Wednesday, February 7 through Saturday February 10
Taking the Long View
The Heritage and Science of Prairie
This year, we’re exploring the history and science of prairies. This virtual conference will have sessions for all prairie and savanna knowledge-levels. Whether you’re a beginner with prairies, or a deep-rooted Prairie Enthusiast, there will be something for everyone!
Session details and registration will be available December 8.
Opening Keynote:
Jed Meunier
Jed Meunier is an ecologist and research scientist within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. His research interests center on understanding how forces of climate and disturbance drive ecological change and how we can in turn manage for resilient systems. His dissertation research was on fire ecology in northern Mexico investigating spatial and temporal aspects of fire in relation to climate and land-use over several centuries Jed received his M.S. in the Wildlife Ecology Department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a Department his great-grandfather, Aldo Leopold, started in 1933, where he studied the effects of hunting on declining American woodcock populations. Jed considers himself lucky to spend his time asking questions and through applied research to assist in the management of Wisconsin’s many treasures.
Featured Keynote:
Justin Thomas
Justin is the Science Director for NatureCITE and the Director of the Institute of Botanical Training. In both positions he conducts ecological and taxonomic research and instructs plant identification and ecological workshops. He holds a M.S. degree in Botany from Miami University and a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Missouri, and has twenty-five years of professional experience as a systems/process ecologist and a plant taxonomist. Justin also teaches Plant Biology and Vegetation of the Ozarks classes at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is the co-author of the Ecological Checklist of the Missouri Flora, holds a research associateship at Missouri Botanical Garden, is considered a leading authority on the genus Dichanthelium (rosette grasses; second largest genus of vascular plants in eastern North America), and serves as a scientific advisor to several conservation organizations.
Are you a business or organization looking to support the restoration and education of native ecosystems in the Upper Midwest?
Look at our sponsorship opportunities HERE or reach out to us at Info@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org or (608) 676-0985
Are you student looking to share your research?
Click here for more information on how your work can be displayed at this conference.
Questions?
info@theprairieenthusiasts.org / (608) 676-0985
Made possible with help from:
Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
