Visions for the Future

Conference Brochure

September 12-15, 2023

Radisson Plaza at Kalamazoo Center (Kalamazoo, Michigan)

Michigan Wetlands Association will be holding its 3-day Conference on September 13 through 15, 2023 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The conference will include sessions on Current Topics in Wetlands Science, Wetland Restoration and Stewardship, and Protection of Wetlands, Lakes and Streams. Special pre-conference workshops will be held on September 12. The conference will also include field trips, presentation and sponsorship opportunities, and networking and social activities.

ROOM RESERVATIONS:

For room reservations, call the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center at (269) 343-3333 to book your hotel room (the website block is full but rooms have been available by phone). Please inform the hotel that you’re with the Michigan Wetlands Association Conference.

If prompted for a Promotional Code: MWETLD

EVENT OVERVIEW:

The conference is open to both members and non-members. Attendees will include participation from state, federal, and local agencies; private consulting firms; colleges and universities; conservation and environmental organizations; and other interested citizens.

The MWA is a statewide organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education and stewardship. The conference includes keynote speakers, general sessions and themed tracks, and social and networking activities.

(All Workshops are all day Tuesday, please only register for one.)

The Michigan Stream Quantification Tool (MiSQT)

This workshop will be an introduction to the Michigan Stream Quantification Tool (MiSQT) including how it works, desktop analysis, field data collection methods, calculations of field values, the catchment assessment form, and how to enter the values and interpret the results.  Sponsored by EGLE and presented by Bethany Matousek (EGLE), John Saltanovitz (EGLE), and Jeremie Wilson (MDOT).

Application of the Great Lakes Coastal Monitoring for Wetland Management 

This workshop will bring together organizations from across the Great Lakes basin that contribute to and utilize the data from the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Project, with the goal increasing communication and information dissemination and applications of monitoring and assessment results. The workshop is being held for land managers, wetland practitioners, researchers, state agencies, tribes, conservation and environmental organizations, and others.  Topics covered will include: Data results, website and database functionality, habitat projects and academic research that have been implemented utilizing the data collected from the project, and exploring and sharing ideas for how these results can inform future management and restoration of coastal wetlands. Sponsored by EGLE and presented by the Great Lakes Coastal Monitoring Project Principal Investigators.  

Protecting Michigan’s Reptiles and Amphibians:  Tools and BMPs 

This workshop will delve into some of the comprehensive amphibian and reptile conservation and management tools that have been developed by Herpetological Resource and Management (HRM) in recent years with funding from EGLE.  The recently updated Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices, Second Edition, provides information and recommendations for protecting and restoring herpetofauna species and habitat to inform development, land management, and restoration. The Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment Tool (Herp HAT) is a newly developed tool which can be used by wetland managers and resource professionals to evaluate the herpetofaunal habitat value provided by different wetlands. The workshop will introduce these tools, best management recommendations, data collection methods, and their application in order to improve wetland management and protection of Michigan’s amphibians and reptiles.  Sponsored by EGLE and presented by David Mifsud.

(All Friday Field Trips are from 1-5pm, please only register for one.)

Kick Back and Kayak the Kzoo

After the conference, come relax and kayak the Kalamazoo River. The half-day trip will begin near Fort Custer State Park and continue downstream towards Galesburg. The trip will include scenic views of the river and wildlife viewing opportunities. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in the area. Attendees will meet next to the Time Out Lounge at 1:00 PM. Mainstream Tackle and Outdoors will provide all equipment needed and bus participants upstream to the starting location to allow them to float back to the Time Out Lounge parking lot. The kayak trip is expected to last 3 to 4 hours.  

Wild for Wetland Monitoring

Join EGLE staff for a demonstration of Michigan’s Wetland Monitoring Program protocols.  The Michigan Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Strategy includes an objective to assess statewide wetland quality through a routine wetland monitoring program.  Visit a Kalamazoo-area wetland and learn about the monitoring program, data collection methods, and how the information is used to support the State’s wetland protection program. We will cover point verification, establishing an assessment area, surveying the vegetation for presence and cover, and completing the MiRAM.  This field trip will be of great interest to wetland professionals, land managers or stewards, tribes, agencies, or anyone interested in seeing a day in the life working in wetland monitoring.  We recommend having knee boots, insect repellant, sunscreen, a hat, water, and any other gear you will need for several hours in a wetland field site.

MWA “Mud Ball” Golf Scramble

Join us for the Michigan Wetlands Association Golf Outing at the Milham Park Golf Club, located in Kalamazoo, MI.  Gather three of your friends, family, or coworkers for this unique golf outing!  This 4-person scramble-style 9-hole golf event will bring people together and generate revenue for the Michigan Wetlands Association. During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about a great ecological success story of the Portage Creek dam removal and stream restoration project bordering Hole 13 (bring several golf balls as you may donate a few to the stream in this challenging Par 3). A beverage cart will be available during the outing. *Note: One person pays for the team during registration.

Meet the Amphibians and Reptiles of South Central Michigan

Come join us for a half-day trip focused on identification, natural history, and habitat use of amphibians and reptiles of the greater Kalamazoo area. This region is a hotspot for Michigan herpetofauna richness and we will explore some typical habitats of the region and discuss the role herpefauna play and what to look for when surveying for them. Species you may encounter (weather dependent) include Spotted Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Musk Turtle, Fowler’s Toads, Pickerel Frog’s, Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, Eastern Massasagua Rattlesnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, and Blue Racer to name a few.  This field trip is planned for 3-4 hours in the field. Attendees should plan to bring water and any food they may need with them. Prior to the field trip, folks will be asked to clean and decontaminate their field gear to avoid any transmission of pathogens or invasives. We will also provide spray bottle with 10% bleach solution.

Questions?

Have questions or need assistance with your registration? Please contact MWA@miwetlands.org.