Student Research Symposium

Student Research Symposium

Student Research Symposium 2024

Saturday, November 9 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

We are excited to showcase new academic talent! Uncover insights into the natural world and support the next generation of scholars by attending the Student Research Symposium on November 9th. Undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities in our region will present their research with posters and oral presentations. The day includes a keynote from a distinguished speaker and a catered lunch. Come for all or part of the day.

There will be cash prizes up to $300 awarded for the best oral and poster presentations. This year, we’ve increased the award pool, creating more chances to win! Plus, all student presenters will receive a Riveredge Membership just for participating!

Student Presenter: $15 – Register by November 4th to have your abstract considered
Supporter registration by November 3: $5
Supporter registration after November 3: $7
Children under 12: free (must be accompanied by an adult)

a student presents their research with a slide presentation to an audience in the Riveredge Barn

Call for Student Presenters!

How to submit your abstract:

We invite college students to submit an abstract of a current research project to present in oral or poster form at our Student Research Symposium. This year’s theme is “Signals, Systems, and Seasons.” Submissions are welcome in the categories of biology, environmental science, chemistry, geology, and other sciences, but also in the humanities, arts, and other disciplines where research intersects with the overall theme. Judging and prize information coming soon! To apply, register using the button above and submit the following to Jana Gedymin at [email protected]. There will be cash prizes up to $300 awarded for the best oral and poster presentations. This year, we’ve increased the award pool, creating more chances to win! Plus, all presenters will receive a Riveredge Membership just for participating! DEADLINE: November 4th!

-Email subject line: RNC Abstract 2024_[your last name]
-250-500 word description of your research
-Name / pronouns
-School, major / focus
-Indicate graduate /undergraduate level
-Working title for presentation
-Preference for oral presentation (12 minutes) or poster

Keynote

“Adventures in Studying the Diversity of Life,” Dr. Gary S. Casper, Director of Biodiversity Programs, Mequon Nature Preserve

About Dr. Casper: Dr. Gary S. Casper was involved with the initial creation of the Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) through the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, and continues to direct wildlife studies at MNP. He has over 40 years’ experience in wildlife ecology and biodiversity studies. After 20 years at the Milwaukee Public Museum, he has continued to focus on wildlife conservation in the western Great Lakes region through the UWM Field Station, Great Lakes Ecological Services, and local land trusts. Gary has over 100 publications; his latest book is Field Guide to the Amphibian Eggs and Larvae of the Western Great Lakes.

Gary participates in many ecological restoration projects and biodiversity studies in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. His team invented the concept of Species of Local Conservation Interest in order to identify biodiversity at risk on local landscapes. He runs biodiversity programs for the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, land trusts, and private land owners, and has developed protocols for surveying crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds that are in widespread use. Gary has pioneered the use of automated bioacoustic systems for monitoring wildlife. Gary enjoys recreating in the Kettle Moraine landscapes.

Proudly sponsored by

Dennis Miller
Lakeshore Chinooks
Great Waters Group Sierra Club
Southeastern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited

Any other questions?

We’re happy to help answer them! Give Riveredge’s Research Manager, Jana Gedymin, a call at 262-375-2715 or contact her by email at [email protected]

November 9 @ 8:00 am 4:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Raptors of Wisconsin

August 10 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Raptors of Wisconsin

Come learn all about Wisconsin Birds of Prey! In this course, local raptor experts from Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station will share their unique knowledge about the identification, ecology, and behavior of Wisconsin’s iconic hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. You will also learn about their long-term ongoing raptor research and how it is accomplished using trapping and banding techniques. Please bring a lunch.

Ages 7+ | Children must be accompanied by an adult

Members*: $10 | Non-members: $15

Register Here

*MEMBERS: Riveredge has a new registration system. Please login (for the member discount) by following these instructions.


  • Registration

    Ages 7+
    Members: $10
    Non-members: $15

    Register Here

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Members:

Be sure to sign in to your account in the upper right corner to activate your membership benefits. Membership discounts on programs will be applied to your cart at checkout. If you haven’t created an account with our new system, be sure to create one using the email address associated with your membership.

If you need to check your membership status or you aren’t sure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected].

To become a member, click here

August 10 @ 10:00 am 2:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Mushroom Ecology and Foraging with Tavis Lynch

July 25 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Mushroom Ecology and Foraging with Tavis Lynch

Come hear about Wisconsin’s mushroom diversity, foraging and natural history with Mycologist and Author, Tavis Lynch. After morning instruction, participants will tour field and forest on the Riveredge Property to see wild mushrooms and key specimins. Tavis Lynch has been studying mushrooms for over three decades, is author to several books and teaches several mycology classes throughout the Upper Midwest. He is a regular guest on Wisconsin Public Radio and has been featured on “Around the Farm Table” on PBS. This event is rain or shine, please BYO lunch and dress for adventure.

Ages 14+ | Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Member*: $50 | Non-member: $55

Pre-registration required by July 23 at 11:55 pm.

Register Here

*MEMBERS: Riveredge has a new registration system. Please login (for the member discount) by following these instructions.


  • Registration

    Ages 14+
    Member: $50
    Non-member: $55

    Register Here

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Members:

Follow the instructions using the button below to login to your member account for member discounts on programs and events. You can use this login to check your membership status, see your expiration date, and renew your membership as well.

If you don’t see the member price after logging in, need help checking your membership status, or you are unsure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected] or call the Riveredge office at 262-375-2715.

To become a member, click here

July 25 @ 9:00 am 3:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Freshwater Mussel Workshop with Jason Dare

July 24 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Freshwater Mussel Workshop with Jason Dare

**Please note that this event has been postponed to Fall semester – keep an eye out for the new date!

Come learn about Wisconsin’s freshwater mussel diversity, ecology and natural history with Jason Dare of Dare Ecosystem Management! After morning instruction, participants will tour streams and rivers on the Riveredge campus to see mussel beds and key specimens in the field. Hip boots will be provided. This event is rain or shine. Please bring a bag lunch and dress for adventure.

Ages 14+


  • Registration

    Ages 14+
    Member: $50
    Non-member: $55

    Register Here

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Members:

Follow the instructions using the button below to login to your member account for member discounts on programs and events. You can use this login to check your membership status, see your expiration date, and renew your membership as well.

If you don’t see the member price after logging in, need help checking your membership status, or you are unsure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected] or call the Riveredge office at 262-375-2715.

To become a member, click here

July 24 @ 9:00 am 3:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Pruning, Coppicing, and Tree Release

February 23 @ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Pruning, Coppicing, and Tree Release

Join Matt Smith, a professional Restoration Ecologist with over 22 years of experience, for an entirely outside hands-on field demonstration in the arts of pruning, coppicing and tree release for restoration and landscaping.

Please dress for the weather and please bring a lunch.

Ages 18+

Member: $65 | Non-member: $75

Pre-registration required by February 22 at 12:00 pm (noon)

Register Here

February 23 @ 9:00 am 2:30 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Raptors of Wisconsin

February 17 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Raptors of Wisconsin

Come learn all about Wisconsin Birds of Prey! In this course, local raptor experts from Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station will share their unique knowledge about the identification, ecology, and behavior of Wisconsin’s iconic hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. You will also learn about their long-term ongoing raptor research and how it is accomplished using trapping and banding techniques.

Please bring a lunch.

Ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

This program has been rescheduled for Saturday August 10th.


  • Registration

    Rescheduled for Saturday August 10th


  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Members:

Be sure to sign in to your account in the upper right corner to activate your membership benefits. Membership discounts on programs will be applied to your cart at checkout. If you haven’t created an account with our new system, be sure to create one using the email address associated with your membership.

If you need to check your membership status or you aren’t sure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected].

To become a member, click here

February 17 @ 10:00 am 2:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Student Research Symposium

November 11 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Student Research Symposium Nature, Culture, Future

Generously sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, Dennis Miller, and the School of Freshwater Sciences

Come learn about new, fascinating research from students, recent graduates, and young professionals. This year’s theme is “Nature, Culture, Future.” Presenters will share their work in biology, environmental science, chemistry, geology, and other sciences. Awards will be presented to the strongest presentations!

Enjoy bagels and coffee as we welcome all presenters and audience members. We will then move into two sessions of student research including the following titles:

  • Enhancing the Aquaculture Potential and Stocking of Walleye (Sander vitreus) Through Management of Feed Nutrition
  • On the causes of rapid divergent evolution of mating structures in sepsid flies (Diptera: Sepsidae): Male front legs as stimulation devices
  • Effects of dietary carbohydrate-lipid ratios on growth performance, health, and stress tolerance of juvenile Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
  • Function of Spontaneous Signals in Female Enchenopa Treehoppers
  • Behavioral Ecology of the three female White-Faced Capuchin Monkey troop of Alturas Wildlife
  • Aposematic Mimicry: Morphological Survey of Tiger Moth Subtribes Euchromiina & Ctenuchina
  • Personality affects female mate choice: frogs displaying more consistent bold behaviors are choosier
  • Do birds care about trees?
  • How Pholcus phalangioides Cellar Spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) Solve Prey Capture Problems
  • Mapping Spatio-Temporal Phenological changes in vegetation across NEON’s Great Lake Region
  • How do geographies of intervention match up with geographies of exposure?
  • Estrogen levels in water samples from wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent, Pigeon Creek, and Lake Michigan.

 

Keynote speaker Lauren Cirino, PhD will present “To be or not to be monogamous: Sexual selection in two different mating systems.”

Pizza will be provided for lunch! Please indicate food allergies and dietary restrictions when you register.

Pre-registration is required by November 10 at 11:59 pm for non-presenters.

Student Presenter: $15
Supporter registration by November 3: $5
Supporter registration after November 3: $7 WALK-INS ARE WELCOME!
Children under 12: free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Register Here


  • Registration

    Students and supporters welcome!

    Register Here

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Presenters: You must email the following information to Jana Gedymin by November 1 to have your abstract considered. You will know if your submission is accepted by November 2. After your abstract is confirmed, please register with the link above by November 10 at 11:59 pm. Presentations will be held at Riveredge Nature Center surrounded by 485 acres of prairie, wetland, woodland, and Milwaukee River frontage.

  • Subject Line: RNC Abstract 2023_[your last name]
  • Your name and pronouns
  • Your school, major/focus, grad/undergrad
  • Are you choosing an oral presentation (15-20 minutes) or a poster?
  • Title of presentation or poster
  • Approximately 250 word description of the research

November 11, 2023 @ 8:00 am 4:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Agroforestry Field Day

May 19 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Agroforestry Field Day

Riveredge welcomes anyone interested in planting native species for landscaping, wildlife restoration or agriculture at Agroforestry Field Day! This year’s Field Day will focus on the care and maintenance of native crops grown at the Sandhill Lake silvopasture project (hazelnut, elderberry, heritage apples and prairie). As these species are grown in residential, agricultural and natural systems, there is relevant information for land owners, managers, municipalities, farmers, students, and anyone interested in landscape diversity.

Increase your success by better understanding the care and management truly needed to yield good planting establishment for native fruits, nuts and prairie. Enjoy light refreshments at check-in and catered lunch through Cedarburg’s Out & Out! See the itinerary, read session descriptions, and learn more about the speakers below.

Ages 18+

Members*: $55 | Non-members: $65 | Student: $30 | Farmer: $30

Pre-registration required by May 17 at noon.

Register Here

*MEMBERS: Riveredge has a new registration system. Please login (for the member discount) by following these instructions.

AGROFORESTRY FIELD DAY is sponsored by

Fleet Farm
Compeer Financial


  • Registration

    Ages 18+
    Members: $55 | Non-members: $65
    Student: $30 | Farmer: $30

    Register Here

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now

  • FREE Outdoor All-terrain Wheelchairs Available

    For kids and adults
    Through Access Ability Wisconsin

    Learn More or Reserve a Wheelchair!

  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Itinerary:

11:00 am Registration and refreshments
11:15 am Presentation: Agroforestry, Wildlife Conservation, and Food
11:45 am Catered Lunch from Out n’ Out
12:30 pm Transit to Riveredge’s Sandhill Agroforestry Site
1:00 pm How to Hazelnut
1:45 pm How to Heritage Apples
2:45 pm How to Prairie
3:30 pm How to Elderberry
4:30 pm Social hour with local beer + Tree and Plug Giveaway!

Session Descriptions:

Agroforestry for Wildlife Conservation, Connection and Food: Matt Smith will share how agroforestry crops meld agriculture and ecological restoration to create more wildlife habitat and access to new food systems. Highlights include funding sources for land owners, the wildlife benefits of adding native cover, and Riveredge’s plans for a future community orchard.

How to Hazelnut: Savanna Institute will discuss the planting of native vs. new hybrid hazelnuts for production and enjoyment. Session includes how-to’s on plant selection, site preparation, establishment, pruning, harvest, and disease management.

How to Heritage Apples: Dan Bussey will help us better understand how to care for existing or inherited apple trees in disrepair, or those that we are planting new. Session includes how-to’s on ‘when to throw in the towel’, grafting applications, plant selection, site preparation, establishment, pruning, harvest, and disease management.

How to Prairie: Matt Smith will showcase planting and seeding strategies for acreages as small as a backyard corner to “back 40” acres. Session includes how-to’s on site preparation, seed and plug selection, installation timing, cover cropping, maintenance mowing, weed management, and burning.

How to Elderberry: Mike Breckel, owner of Ocooch Mountain Elderberries, will speak on elderberry propagation for a bountiful harvest. Session includes how-to’s on plant selection, site preparation, establishment, to pruning, harvest, and disease management.

Speaker Profiles:

Dan Bussey: Dan is widely known for his expertise as the author of The Illustrated History of Apples In the US and Canada and his previous work as Orchard Manager for Seed Savers Exchange. Dan has been dedicated to preservation and management of heirloom species, bringing many back from the brink of extinction.

Matt Smith: Matt has over 22 years of experience as a restoration ecologist. He is the Director of Research and Conservation at Riveredge, leading project planning, monitoring, reporting, and implementation. Matt has worked on projects throughout the Great Lakes region, covering a wide range of disturbance and habitat type.

Mike Breckel: Mike is the owner of Ocooch Mountain Elderberries, an agricultural cooperative. Mike has 20 years of experience propagating elderberry varieties in the upper midwest. In addition to mentoring elderberry enthusiasts, he is the inventor of a unique elderberry destemmer.

Members:

Follow the instructions using the button below to login to your member account for member discounts on programs and events. You can use this login to check your membership status, see your expiration date, and renew your membership as well.

If you don’t see the member price after logging in, need help checking your membership status, or you are unsure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected] or call the Riveredge office at 262-375-2715.

To become a member, click here

May 19 @ 11:00 am 5:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

RESCHEDULED Foraging with Sam Thayer

August 21 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

CANCELED- LOOK FOR FUTURE DATES THIS SPRING Foraging with Sam Thayer

RESCHEDULED TO FALL 2022 – DATE TBD

At the workshop, you’ll join Sam Thayer for a hands-on day of botany, foraging, and feasting. We’ll be exploring the varied landscape of Riveredge to learn about the edible plants of prairies, forests, lawns, wetlands, and everything in between. Of course, you’ll learn to identify these plants, but we’ll also discuss their ecology—so you know how to find them, and how to use them responsibly. Read more about Sam Thayer below.

Ages 16+

All Access Members: $55 | Trail Pass Members: $60 | Non-members: $65

  • Registration

    Ages 18+
    All Access Members: $55
    Trail Pass Members: $60
    Non-members: $65

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now
  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Sam is a Wisconsin native and author of The Forager’s Harvest and Nature’s Garden. Along with speaking and writing, he is a maple syrup producer, wild rice harvester, and owns a small organic orchard. Besides wild food foraging, Sam is an all-around naturalist with particular interest in reptiles, amphibians, bird watching, botany, and mammals. His passion for wild food extends to studying the origin of cultivated plants and the socioeconomic history of the human diet.

Members:

Be sure to sign in to your account in the upper right corner to activate your membership benefits. Membership discounts on programs will be applied to your cart at checkout. If you haven’t created an account with our new system, be sure to create one using the email address associated with your membership.

If you need to check your membership status or you aren’t sure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected].

To become a member, click here

August 21, 2022 @ 9:00 am 1:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Restoration Field Day

August 21 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

CANCELED- LOOK FOR FUTURE DATES THIS SPRING Foraging with Sam Thayer

RESCHEDULED TO FALL 2022 – DATE TBD

At the workshop, you’ll join Sam Thayer for a hands-on day of botany, foraging, and feasting. We’ll be exploring the varied landscape of Riveredge to learn about the edible plants of prairies, forests, lawns, wetlands, and everything in between. Of course, you’ll learn to identify these plants, but we’ll also discuss their ecology—so you know how to find them, and how to use them responsibly. Read more about Sam Thayer below.

Ages 16+

All Access Members: $55 | Trail Pass Members: $60 | Non-members: $65

  • Registration

    Ages 18+
    All Access Members: $55
    Trail Pass Members: $60
    Non-members: $65

  • Become a Member

    Take advantage of member benefits and discounts!

    Join Now
  • More Events

    Explore other upcoming events!

    Event Calendar

Members:

Be sure to sign in to your account in the upper right corner to activate your membership benefits. Membership discounts on programs will be applied to your cart at checkout. If you haven’t created an account with our new system, be sure to create one using the email address associated with your membership.

If you need to check your membership status or you aren’t sure what email address we have on file, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Renee Buchholz at [email protected].

To become a member, click here

How to Register as a Member (PDF)

Cancellation Policies (PDF)

August 20, 2022 @ 8:00 am 4:00 pm

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Dr)
Saukville, WI United States
+ Google Map
(262) 375-2715

Become a Member

Take advantage of all the benefits of a Riveredge membership year round!

Learn More