WETLAND SCIENCE CONFERENCE
2019 Vernal Poolooza Breakout Sessions
Even more presenters will be posted here as their information becomes available.
iPhone Landscape & Nature Photography
with Ian Adams
This extended session permits Ian to go into a great deal of depth both on the technical details of the camera function of the iPhone and with the broader concepts of great photography. You will learn how to use your iPhone or Android smartphone to take sharp, well-composed landscape & nature photographs with tips on controlling exposure, focus, color, lighting & composition. The best phone settings for photography, recommended camera and editing apps, and useful photography accessories for your smartphone.
Ian Adams is an environmental photographer, writer and educator specializing in Ohio’s natural, rural, historical and garden areas. Twenty-two books of his color photography have been published. His latest book, Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State was released by Ohio University Press in March, 2017.
Ian will be available for book signing at the conference. Please stop by.
Ian Adams is an environmental photographer, writer and educator specializing in Ohio’s natural, rural, historical and garden areas. Twenty-two books of his color photography have been published. His latest book, Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State was released by Ohio University Press in March, 2017.
Ian will be available for book signing at the conference. Please stop by.
The Amphibian Chorus: Sorting Out the Singers
with Lisa Rainsong
Lisa’s program begins with wood frogs and progresses seasonally. Songs are compared so that listeners gain practice in distinguishing between them. Habitat differences will also be noted. Not all frogs and toads sing at the same time, and they don't all sing in the same habitats. Identifying the songs of frogs and toads becomes easier when we consider time of the season, the specific habitats, and which species may be heard singing with whom. Frogs that sound similar, such as Leopard and Pickerel Frogs, will be compared and sonograms will help us see as well as hear the difference in their song. In addition to my own field recordings, I will use my own photos of these species and include my own experience in searching for them.
Dr. Rainsong is a Music Theory faculty member, Cleveland Institute of Music with a Naturalist Certificate, Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Dr. Rainsong is a Music Theory faculty member, Cleveland Institute of Music with a Naturalist Certificate, Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Funding for Vernal Pool/Wetland Education
with Dennis Clement
Dennis represents the Ohio Environmental Education Fund. Do you need education funding to teach about Vernal Pools and Wetlands? Do you need equipment to help reinforce this education? This extended session will explain what to include in a grant application for education purposes. This session will provide details on past funded grants for vernal pool and wetland education and what to include in an education application.
Dennis is presently employed with the Ohio EPA, Ohio Environmental Education (OEE) as an Environmental Public Information Officer 1. In January 2015, he was appointed Project WET State Coordinator for Ohio.
In his spare time, he is a carded equine judge for the American Buckskin Registry Association, International Buckskin Horse Association and the Pinto Horse Association. He is also certified 4-H Equine Judge in Ohio and Michigan.
Dennis is presently employed with the Ohio EPA, Ohio Environmental Education (OEE) as an Environmental Public Information Officer 1. In January 2015, he was appointed Project WET State Coordinator for Ohio.
In his spare time, he is a carded equine judge for the American Buckskin Registry Association, International Buckskin Horse Association and the Pinto Horse Association. He is also certified 4-H Equine Judge in Ohio and Michigan.
Odonata in and near vernal pools and wet woods
with MaLisa Spring
MaLisa will cover the basics of Odonata in Ohio with an emphasis on dragonflies and damselflies found in or near vernal pools.
She is currently State Coordinator of the Ohio Dragonfly Survey and has a Master’s of Science in Entomology from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s of Science from Marietta College in Biology. She has previously worked on research projects involving urban habitat management for beneficial insects, bee and ladybeetle species richness surveys, assessing mangrove restorations at abandoned shrimp farms, among many other projects. She currently lives in central Ohio with her partner, dog, and indoor cat.
MaLisa Spring also presents “Macroinvertebrate Identification with Odonates in Mind”
MaLisa will cover the basics for in aquatic samples and ending with an in-depth look at immature dragonfly and damselfly identification.
She is currently State Coordinator of the Ohio Dragonfly Survey and has a Master’s of Science in Entomology from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s of Science from Marietta College in Biology. She has previously worked on research projects involving urban habitat management for beneficial insects, bee and ladybeetle species richness surveys, assessing mangrove restorations at abandoned shrimp farms, among many other projects. She currently lives in central Ohio with her partner, dog, and indoor cat.
MaLisa Spring also presents “Macroinvertebrate Identification with Odonates in Mind”
MaLisa will cover the basics for in aquatic samples and ending with an in-depth look at immature dragonfly and damselfly identification.
Introduction to Citizen Science and FrogWatch USA
with Carrie Bassett
Ever wondered how you can make a difference? Come to learn all about what a citizen scientist is and how you can become one to make a difference to amphibians here in Ohio. You will learn all about FrogWatch USA, a citizen science program that trains people to identify frogs and toads by their calls alone so they can monitor wetlands near them to report all the information into a national database.
Carrie Bassett has a BA in Biology with an emphasis in Secondary Education. She has worked at the Akron Zoo since 2005 as an Education Specialist. She is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Carrie Bassett has a BA in Biology with an emphasis in Secondary Education. She has worked at the Akron Zoo since 2005 as an Education Specialist. She is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
FrogWatch USA Citizen Science Certification
with Michael Phillips
This extended session offers complete training in FrogWatch USA field procedures that could result in your becoming certified as a credible data collector. Co-presented with Carrie Bassett (see above).
Michael Phillips has a BA in Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies. He has worked at the Akron Zoo since 2007 and previously worked at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for 2 years. He is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Michael Phillips is currently a Zookeeper at the Akron Zoo and co-coordinator of the Akron Zoo Chapter of FrogWatch USA.
Michael Phillips has a BA in Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies. He has worked at the Akron Zoo since 2007 and previously worked at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for 2 years. He is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Michael Phillips is currently a Zookeeper at the Akron Zoo and co-coordinator of the Akron Zoo Chapter of FrogWatch USA.
Restoring High Quality Vernal Pools
with Mick Micacchion
This talk examines the landscape characteristics that best serve the habitat needs of vernal pool amphibians and how those criteria can be used to select locations that will result in high quality vernal pools. In the end, if the right factors are considered and provided vernal pool restorations can always be successful.
Mick has monitored over 200 vernal pools and more that 150 wetland restoration projects across the state of Ohio. He is a Professional Wetland Scientist who works in the Ohio Mitigation Program for The Nature Conservancy. He also instructs environmental training courses at the Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI), including Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (ORAM), Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI), ID of Common Wetland Plants, Ohio Amphibians/Amphibian IBI (AmphIBI), Intro to Wetlands, Wetland Delineation, Wetland Botany, and Primary Headwater Habitat. Prior to joining MBI and the TNC Mick worked as a Wetland Ecologist at the Ohio EPA where he was an instrumental contributor in developing Ohio's Wetland Program which has been used as a model for the entire country.
Mick has monitored over 200 vernal pools and more that 150 wetland restoration projects across the state of Ohio. He is a Professional Wetland Scientist who works in the Ohio Mitigation Program for The Nature Conservancy. He also instructs environmental training courses at the Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI), including Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (ORAM), Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI), ID of Common Wetland Plants, Ohio Amphibians/Amphibian IBI (AmphIBI), Intro to Wetlands, Wetland Delineation, Wetland Botany, and Primary Headwater Habitat. Prior to joining MBI and the TNC Mick worked as a Wetland Ecologist at the Ohio EPA where he was an instrumental contributor in developing Ohio's Wetland Program which has been used as a model for the entire country.
Ohio Vernal Pool Amphibian
with Mick Micacchion
Mick will provide species accounts including life histories, breeding behavior, specific habitat needs, calls and other interesting data. Ohio Vernal Pool Amphibians and their shared and individual habitat needs are discussed. Interesting characteristics of representative species are discussed. Keys to identification are presented and calls of frog species are played.
Identifying High Quality Vernal Pool Restoration Sites Using GIS with Brian Gara
Brian will show how using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can identify the best potential sites for vernal pool restoration projects likely to provide breeding habitat for sensitive amphibian species. He will discuss a project conducted in 2009 while employed as a wetland ecologist at the Ohio EPA. Mick Micacchion (co-author) and Brian conducted a study to try and identify existing high quality vernal pools using GIS. The model was run and field tested using detailed wetland assessment procedures. A final map was then created to specify those locations having the highest potential for vernal pool restoration in Ohio.
Brian is currently a Stream and Wetland Mitigation Coordinator with the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Previously, he worked as a Wetland Ecologist with the Ohio EPA, where he coordinated all wetland assessment research and provided technical assistance to a wide variety of public and private professionals regarding Ohio’s wetland resources.
Brian is currently a Stream and Wetland Mitigation Coordinator with the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Previously, he worked as a Wetland Ecologist with the Ohio EPA, where he coordinated all wetland assessment research and provided technical assistance to a wide variety of public and private professionals regarding Ohio’s wetland resources.
Ohio's Amazing Gene Thieves
with Katy Greenwald
This is an introduction to the breeding biology of Ambystoma salamanders and in particular the evolution and ecology of unisexual (all-female) Ambystoma salamanders. Ever wonder what is kleptogenesis? She will provide an overview of her research projects with unisexual Ambystoma.
Dr. Greenwald is an Associate Professor of Biology at Eastern Michigan University She received her B.S. (Biology) in 2002 from Brown University, and her Ph.D. in 2009 from the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University.
Current research in my lab falls under the categories of molecular ecology or conservation genetics. This means that we use molecular tools to answer ecological or conservation-related questions."
Dr. Greenwald is an Associate Professor of Biology at Eastern Michigan University She received her B.S. (Biology) in 2002 from Brown University, and her Ph.D. in 2009 from the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University.
Current research in my lab falls under the categories of molecular ecology or conservation genetics. This means that we use molecular tools to answer ecological or conservation-related questions."
How to Organize a Vernal Pool Expedition
with David Celebrezze
Organizing a vernal pool field trip for your visitors can be easy and fun. This presentation will cover how to organize a safe and enjoyable vernal pool expedition. For discovering a pools hidden wonders David will share techniques that he has practiced for years including how to search for amphibians, night hikes, dip netting and the use of a portable display table.
David coordinated and grew the Ohio Environmental Council’s vernal pool program from 2004-2014. In that time, he coordinated Ohio’s first guide to the animals of vernal pools, more than doubled workshop attendance, updated monitoring forms, created a video on monitoring, and engaged partners on an array of vernal pool efforts. While his current employment is not vernal pool-centric, he does actively monitor several vernal pools for the city of Columbus and a private land owner in Franklin and Delaware Counties.
Live Animal Show & Tell
with Keith Gisser
The Herps Alive Foundation is dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and caring for unwanted, neglected and abused reptiles and amphibians, and to finding new homes for them when possible, with an emphasis on educating the public, the Herps Alive Foundation has found homes for nearly 1,000 reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates in the past two years. This informal session will give attendees a chance to meet and greet some of our ambassador animals.
Keith Gisser has been a herpetology educator for over 40 years, speaking on nearly 300 college campuses. He founded the Herps Alive Foundation in 2013 when he saw a growing need for reptile and amphibian rescue. Herps Alive! The Interactive Reptile and Amphibian Experience has twice been named Family Program of the Year by the National Association for Campus Activities.
Keith Gisser has been a herpetology educator for over 40 years, speaking on nearly 300 college campuses. He founded the Herps Alive Foundation in 2013 when he saw a growing need for reptile and amphibian rescue. Herps Alive! The Interactive Reptile and Amphibian Experience has twice been named Family Program of the Year by the National Association for Campus Activities.
OVPN and the Vernal Pool Education Package
with Ray Stewart
This session will describe the nature of the Ohio Vernal Pool Network (OVPN), its history and expansion. The recent release of the vernal pool education package will described both in terms of the products it contains and the services that go along with it.
Ray is a retired public school science teacher living in Amherst, Ohio. He is the founder and past president of Ohio Wetlands Association. He now serves Director of Communications. The OWA office is currently at his home. Ray has a BA in Botany from Kent State University and MA from Ohio University in Latin American Studies. He completed a Master of Arts in Teaching through the Global Field Program at Miami University in 2014.
Ray is a retired public school science teacher living in Amherst, Ohio. He is the founder and past president of Ohio Wetlands Association. He now serves Director of Communications. The OWA office is currently at his home. Ray has a BA in Botany from Kent State University and MA from Ohio University in Latin American Studies. He completed a Master of Arts in Teaching through the Global Field Program at Miami University in 2014.
The Crayfish and the Vernal pool
with Roger Thoma
North American vernal pools are distinctive because of their burrowing crayfish fauna. Not all areas of North America harbor burrowing crayfish and the species of crayfish present can vary considerably by species and number of species. To make matters worse, little is known about how they interact with the ecosystem and what their influences are. Some papers have reported the presence of other Classes and Orders of organism co-inhabiting their burrows. A statewide survey of Indiana's burrowing crayfish burrows by the author illustrates the variety of fauna present but only delved into the most cursory levels.
Mr. Thoma began his study of crayfish in 1971 as a volunteer assistant to Prof. Ray Jezerinac (OSU). For thirty years he either assisted Ray sampling crayfish in the Appalachian Mountains or conducted his own research in the area. In 2004 he resigned from the Ohio EPA (where he conducted field surveys of fishes) and embarked on the full-time study of crayfish. He has conducted statewide surveys of Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia. He has authored or coauthored over 15 new species of crayfish over his career and holds a BS from Ohio State University.
Mr. Thoma began his study of crayfish in 1971 as a volunteer assistant to Prof. Ray Jezerinac (OSU). For thirty years he either assisted Ray sampling crayfish in the Appalachian Mountains or conducted his own research in the area. In 2004 he resigned from the Ohio EPA (where he conducted field surveys of fishes) and embarked on the full-time study of crayfish. He has conducted statewide surveys of Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia. He has authored or coauthored over 15 new species of crayfish over his career and holds a BS from Ohio State University.
Weird Wetland Aquatics -
Mosses, Liverworts, Algae and Fungi with Bob Bartolotta
Bob Bartolotta will explain the species of mosses, liverworts, algae and fungi that are often overlooked in wetlands. They are immensely important as food for animals, they are important photosynthesizers (except fungi). Fungi are important decomposers in wetlands. Participants will learn what species occur and how to look for them in wetlands.
Bob is currently retired after working at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History for thirty-four years where he has led over 1500 field trips and has taught in excess of 35,000 people. He has a degree from Case Western Reserve University with a biology and in Plant Taxonomy from The Ohio State University.
Bob is currently retired after working at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History for thirty-four years where he has led over 1500 field trips and has taught in excess of 35,000 people. He has a degree from Case Western Reserve University with a biology and in Plant Taxonomy from The Ohio State University.
Today's Threats to Amphibian Habitats
with John Howard
John provides a unique presentation detailing many of the present day issues with amphibian habitats, including the degradation of vernal pools, springs, and streams in Ohio. It ends on a positive note outlining what people can do to help.
A resident of Adams County Ohio, John is a freelance naturalist and nature photographer who specializes in prairie ecology, herpetology, Lepidoptera, botany, vernal pool restoration, and is adept in many other facets of the great outdoors. An avid conservationist, he is a former board member of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. John works tirelessly to share his vast knowledge of Southern Ohio with others.
Loved to Death: Migration Matters
with Kelly McGinnis
The annual migration of amphibians is a phenomenal event to witness. In Cleveland Metroparks, the place to be is Brecksville Reservation. A section of road is closed to vehicle traffic to protect these vulnerable amphibians but there is another obstacle, park visitors. Even visitors with good intentions add extra pressure to the amphibians' journey. This session will discuss difficulties that we have encountered along with effective ways to help protect the migration of frogs and salamanders.
Kelly McGinnis has been a naturalist with Cleveland Metroparks since 2000. Her love of amphibians has led to many, cold rainy nights protecting them on their journey in Brecksville Reservation and educating visitors on the fascinating life cycle of these amazing animals.
Kelly McGinnis has been a naturalist with Cleveland Metroparks since 2000. Her love of amphibians has led to many, cold rainy nights protecting them on their journey in Brecksville Reservation and educating visitors on the fascinating life cycle of these amazing animals.
Delve Into the Dark:
A NanoscopicView of Vernal Pool Inhabitants
with Judy Semroc
Join in for a photographic journey into the natural history, behavior and importance of vernal pool inhabitants. While tiny during some stages of their development, this visual adventure will highlight aspects of vernal pool life we don't always get to observe.
Judy Semroc, Conservation Specialist, Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Judy currently works in the Natural Areas Division for The Cleveland Museum of Natural History as a Conservation Specialist. She is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy has co-authored two natural history guides, "Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” in 2008, and "Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio: A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History" in 2017. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through hikes, interpretive programs and photography.
Judy Semroc, Conservation Specialist, Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Judy currently works in the Natural Areas Division for The Cleveland Museum of Natural History as a Conservation Specialist. She is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy has co-authored two natural history guides, "Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” in 2008, and "Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio: A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History" in 2017. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through hikes, interpretive programs and photography.
