Speaker Series Offers Presentations on River’s History, Nature and People

The free monthly events will feature experts discussing topics from bats to bees, archaeology to elk.

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Julie Galonska is Chief of Interpretation, Education & Cultural Resource Management at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Wisconsin elk (Photo courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)
Wisconsin elk (Photo courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

Interested in learning more about the St. Croix Valley’s national park? Join the National Park Service in exploring the heritage, natural wonders, and communities of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway during this year’s speaker series. The series kicks off on Saturday, January 18, 2014, with a program focused on bats and the deadly white-nose syndrome.

White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a devastating disease responsible for the deaths of more than 6 million bats in eastern North America, has reached the Upper Midwest. Learn about the bats in our region, the ecological services they provide, and their vulnerability to WNS. Recent research to understand and help combat the disease will be described, and ways you can help our bats will be discussed.

A total of four programs will be offered, all beginning at 10:00 a.m. They are free and open to the public, and all are co-sponsored by the St. Croix River Association. The Speaker Series will take place at the SCRA office—next to the Library, at 230 South Washington Street, St. Croix Falls, WI (map).

Saturday, January 18, 10:00 a.m.
White-nose Syndrome and Bats along the St. Croix River
Presented by Gerda Nordquist, MN Department of Natural Resources

Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.
The Sheffield Site and Oneota Archaeology in the St. Croix Valley
Presented by Dr. Ed Fleming Science Museum of Minnesota

Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m.
Elk in Wisconsin: The Clam Lake Herd
Presented by Laine Stowell, WI Department of Natural Resources

Saturday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.
Agricultural Land Use and the Survival of Honey Bee Colonies
Presented by Matthew Smart, University of Minnesota Bee Lab

Registration is requested. Call (715) 483-3300 or email info@scramail.com to register.