During a field tour of the LTER site, participants will learn from scientists about cutting edge research in sustainable agriculture, participate in hands-on science activities designed for youth, and later brainstorm with colleagues ideas for weaving sustainable ag research into youth programming.

Formal K-12 educators are welcome to participate, we are able to offer 3.5 SCECHs if that is of interest.

Registration is required by Sept. 17.  There is no cost for attending this event and lunch is provided. Lodging is available on the evening of Monday, Sept. 25 at KBS.  Lodging will be in Orchard Dorms, each participant will have their own bedroom and share a bathroom with someone of the same gender.  If you require a private bathroom, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Final Program agenda – Tuesday, Sept. 26

Event will be held rain or shine.  Please dress for the weather, we’ll be outside ‘in the field’, unless we have severe weather.

8:30 a.m. – Arrive at KBS Auditorium, registration and coffee

9:00 a.m. – Welcome and introductions (KBS Auditorium)_ PRESENTATION

Kara Haas, Science Education & Outreach Coordinator, KBS

Dr. Julie Doll, KBS Long-term Ecological Research (KBS LTER) program Education & Outreach Coordinator

9:20 a.m. – Depart for the field (LTER Field Lab, 10378 40^th St. Hickory Corners, MI 49060)

9:30 a.m. – KBS Long-term Ecological Research Field Tour and Overview

Dr. Steve Hamilton, MSU/KBS Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Biogeochemistry

Dr. Julie Doll, KBS LTER Education & Outreach Coordinator

        Joe Simmons, KBS LTER Agronomic Manager

10:30 a.m. – Soil microbes, powerful and mysterious microscopic life!

Heather Kittredge, PhD candidate, MSU Department of Integrative Biology & Ecology Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program

10:45 a.m. – Monarch Butterflies and Global Climate Change

Andrew Myers, PhD candidate, MSU Department of Entomology

11:00 a.m. – Break 

11:15 a.m. – Sustainable Ag. Activities for K-4 – Hands-on and Field Based

Misty Klotz, KBS Community Outreach Assistant

Sarah Hanks, LTER Outreach Team

12:00 – Lunch at McCrary Dining Hall (3700 East Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060)

1:00 p.m. – Climate change and farmers (KBS Auditorium)

Dr. Julie Doll, KBS LTER Education & Outreach Coordinator

        Paper by Dr. Julie Doll, et. al: Skeptical but Adapting: What Midwestern Farmers Say about Climate Change

1:30 p.m. – Facilitated Discussion (KBS Auditorium)

In small groups we’ll discuss: What themes of Sustainable Agriculture Research are of interest to your target audiences?  How can you share current Sustainable Agriculture research with your audiences?  You will walk away with ideas and resources for your target audiences.

Notes captured during discussion: High School Audiences, Elementary Audiences

2:30 p.m. – Break

2:45 p.m. – Evaluations

3:00 p.m. – Adjourn