Yahara Lakes 101 Science Cafe

Learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes!

About the talk:

Join us for Yahara Lakes 101 on Wednesday, April 11th for a special talk on invasive species in our lakes. Susan Graham will speak about the scale of the problem, what Wisconsin is doing, what YOU can do to help. We’ll learn about what invaders could be next and what success has looked like right here in Wisconsin.

Aquatic invasive species, otherwise known as “AIS,” are non-native species that can take over, spread primarily by humans, and negatively impact recreation, the economy, and our native ecosystems. Wisconsin has a comprehensive rule called “NR-40” that classifies species that are prohibited, restricted, or not a concern, and guides regulations based on risks. For the Wisconsin DNR, preventing the spread of invasive species relies on a social science understanding of human behavior.

Susan Graham has worked on lake-related issues for 25 years at the Wisconsin DNR and is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more. Don’t miss this talk!

About our speakers

Susan Graham earned her master’s degree in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. She has worked on a variety of lake-related issues in her 25 years at Wisconsin DNR, including water quality assessment, coordinating the statewide Citizen Lake Monitoring Network, and serving on committees to establish phosphorus standards for lakes.

Susan is currently the Lakes Coordinator for DNR’s southcentral region, where she works on aquatic plant management along with monitoring, grants, and policy for lakes and aquatic invasive species. Susan is also part of a team that is creating a tool to prioritize response efforts to invasive species on public lands and waters. Sue is an avid organic gardener and hiker, and loves swimming and paddling when there isn’t ice coating our waters.

About the series

Yahara Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance for residents to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences.

Yahara Lakes 101 is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, with hosting sponsor The Edgewater, presenting sponsor First Weber Group, supporting sponsor The Evjue Foundation, and media sponsor The Isthmus.

Yahara 101 is held indoors at The Edgewater. Come at 7:30 a.m. for a meet-and-greet and to enjoy your coffee, pastries, and fruit, with time to eat and chat on the lakeview patio, weather-permitting. The program begins at 8 a.m., and class is dismissed by 9 a.m.

If you already are a Friend of Clean Lakes (minimum $35 donation/year), then admission is free. Become a Friend today. If you are not a Friend yet, admission is $10 per event. Registration for each event is requested for all attendees. Special event parking will be available at The Edgewater.