Name of Class:           Vernal Pool Identification

Dates:                            April 11, 2019

Location:                      Annex Building, Proud Lake State Recreation Area, 2700 Glengary Road, Commerce Twp., MI 48390

Time(s):                        9:00am to 4:00pm

Instructors:                 Yu Man Lee, Herpetologist; Phyllis Higman, Botanist; Daria Hyde, Conservation Planner/Zoologist

Cost:                              $100 (MWA members), $150 (non-members)

 Accommodations:    Attendees are responsible for their own meals; packing a lunch is recommended.

Course Materials:      Attendees should bring write-in-the-rain notebook, writing utensil, tall rubber boots or waders, and a herpetological field ID book if desired.

Class Description:     

A one day field class which will cover the identification and functions and values provided by vernal pools.   We will begin with a classroom portion providing an overview of vernal pool characteristics.  Then participants will learn through hands on field instruction how to identify key indicators found in vernal pools such as fairy shrimp or evidence of breeding activity by certain amphibian species. The class will visit field sites at Proud Lake State Recreation Area, including several vernal pools previously known to provide habitat for breeding amphibians. We also will provide information about how participants can contribute to a statewide vernal pool mapping and monitoring program.

Instructor Bios:

Yu Man Lee – Herpetologist

Yu Man Lee has been a Conservation Scientist and Herpetologist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) since 1997.  Her primary responsibilities at MNFI include conducting surveys, research, and monitoring to assess the status and distribution of rare animal species across the state, particularly amphibians and reptiles; maintaining Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database; conducting environmental review assessments; and providing technical assistance, education and outreach on rare species and natural communities to natural resource professionals, conservation groups, general public, and other stakeholders to inform biodiversity conservation.  Yu Man has been working with partners to increase knowledge and understanding of vernal pools in Michigan by providing trainings and implementing a statewide citizen science-based vernal pool mapping and monitoring program. Yu Man also co-chairs the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, a public-private partnership to promote awareness and conservation of vernal pools. Yu Man earned her BS in Natural Resource Management from The University of Michigan and her MS in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University.

Phyllis Higman – Botanist

Since joining MNFI in 1993, Phyllis has conducted training and education on the biodiversity conservation of Michigan’s native ecosystems; surveyed and identified plants and ecosystems, including floristic quality assessments; and conducted research, training, and education on invasive plants and climate change. Her seminal work on invasive phragmites has resulted in a regionally recognized early detection and response strategy, a framework and field guides for addressing invasive plants, support for an online or phone app system for mapping their occurrences (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network), current distribution maps, best treatment strategies, and many new partners statewide. Phyllis earned her BS in Biological Sciences, her Teacher Certification from the University of Michigan, and her MS in Biological Sciences (Botany) from Central Michigan University.

Daria Hyde – Conservation Planner/Zoologist

Since joining MNFI in 1994, Daria has conducted animal surveys and worked with partners to promote the protection of Michigan’s natural resources. She provides technical support to governmental agencies, collaborates with the Mitchell’s satyr Working Group to conserve this rare butterfly, and helps local communities understand and protect their natural assets. She helped to initiate vernal pool monitoring programs and coordinates citizen scientists, teachers, and students to collect data on these ecosystems. Daria earned her BS in Wildlife Management at Michigan State University and her MS in Conservation Biology at Central Michigan University.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation.  The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

• Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
• Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
• Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
• Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Bookings