August 21 & 22 (Friday & Saturday)
Instructor:
Dr Robert Pillsbury, Emeritus professor of Biology at UW-Oshkosh. Dr. Pillsbury has taught Biology for 23 years, with a focus on aquatic biology, primarily Freshwater Phycology (the study of algae), Limnology, Rivers Lakes and Wetlands, and Biostatistics. He holds a PhD from Bowling Green State University, where he focused on factors influencing the structure of benthic algal communities in acid lakes.
The Course:
Are you interested in aquatic biology? Get to know a whole new world!! This field class will teach participants to: 1) sample algae by taking field trips to some interesting aquatic habitats, 2) identify algae (useful skill for many aquatic positions), 3) learn the characteristics of ecology of major algal groups, 4) learn how to use algae to assess environmental problems, and 5) learn how to make permanent slides for your collection. This course will look at the taxonomy and ecology of Mid-west algae with an emphasis on some important nuisance taxa. The lecture component of the class will cover the distinctions of the major algal groups and their
role in the ecosystems. In the field component of the class, we will visit a variety of local aquatic habitats to learn collections
techniques. And back in the lab we will examine our sample using proper microscope techniques and identify our collected specimens with the use of taxonomic keys. Microscopes, collecting equipment, reference books and taxonomic keys will be provided to the students.
Class Schedule:
Friday 9 am – 6 pm & Saturday 8 am – 3 pm. Discussion, individual study in the lab, or social activities are available Friday evening.
Useful materials to bring:
Field clothing, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, tick and insect repellent. We will be spending about half our time outside collecting algae so be prepared to have footwear that will allow you to wade up to your shins (old shoes, rubber boots, waders, etc.). Reference guides will be provided for your use, but if you already have some algae identification guides and want to learn specifically how to use them more efficiently, please consider bringing them. If you are looking for a good, general, easy to use book for learning the algae, consider getting “How to Know the Freshwater Algae” by G.W. Prescott.
Lodging Accommodations & Food:
The workshop fee does not include overnight accommodations. However, tent camping space on the property is available at no charge. Participants wishing to stay overnight in our Farmhouse may reserve a bed in a shared space at a cost of $20 per night. Bed space is limited so be sure to reserve early. Alternatively, the Saukville Field Station can also provide you with a list of nearby places to stay. An optional catered lunch is provided at cost for an additional charge and will include vegetarian and gluten free options. Meal plan should be ordered at the time your registration is submitted. Contact fieldstn@uwm.edu for more information
Workshop fee: $140. Not offered for college credit, 1.4 CEU
Registration: Registration is now open! Click the link here to register using a credit card. For other payment options please contact sceinfo@uwm.edu.