The following presentations are available to various community groups and organizations free of charge.
To schedule a program, contact the presenter using the email link provided at least 30 days in advance.
While there is no fee to non-profit groups, donations are gladly accepted.
Dan Kane, Executive Director
Groundwater Model Demonstration (Demonstration, 30 min)
The demonstration includes basic principles of the water cycle, description of aquifers, movement of water through various mediums, and general geologic aspects that affect groundwater recharge/discharge; wells; water quality; and other related issues. Requires additional time for set-up.
HomeAcre Presentation (PowerPoint, 30 min)
This presentation is used to introduce a self-assessment process for home owners interested in understanding how their home, landscaping, and other personal practices effect or are affected by surface and groundwater. This program utilizes the HomeAcre workbook designed and developed by the University of Wisconsin Extension. The HomeAcre book guides one to assess how their home’s footprint on the land interacts with surface and groundwater resources. In the past, this program has been done as a demonstration – using the home of a volunteer as an example in a residential subdivision and inviting neighbors to attend. The demonstration identifies features like rain gutter downspouts, sump pumps, water wells, septic systems, storage of home chemicals, driveways, stormwater infrastructure and other features that can affect water resources. A complete program – including an actual assessment of a home, takes approximately 2 hours.
Surface and Groundwater Presentation (PowerPoint, 45 min)
This is a forty-five minute to one hour program covers a wide range of issues associated with surface and groundwater in Boone County. The program can be adjusted to fit a thirty-minute period if needed.
Streambank Stabilization Practice at Distillery Road Conservation Area (PowerPoint, 30 min)
This presentation features the stream barb structures installed at Distillery Road Conservation Area and is a good introduction to why streambank erosion is a concern and how a best management practice was installed to address that concern.
Streambank Erosion Model (Demonstration, time varies)
The demonstration shows how various best management practices, such as stream barbs, function to control erosion and stabilize streambanks.
The program can be adjusted for presentations of 15 to 30-minutes once it is set-up. It takes about an hour to set up and take down. The model is approximately 4 feet wide by 6 feet long and requires electricity to run a small submersible water pump. The model also requires approximately 4-5 five gallon buckets of sand and about 15 to 20 gallons of water to function properly.
Tina Dawson Scott, Education Director
Backyard Birds (PowerPoint, 45 mins)
If you enjoy watching the birds at your feeder this presentation provides a closer look at the most common birds to visit backyard bird feeders in our region and what they prefer to eat.
Black Bears: Fact vs Fiction (PowerPoint, 60 mins)
Tina loves to talk about black bears. In fact, that profile photo is of her inside a black bear den in Minnesota! There is a lot of misinformation about bears and this presentation will help you sort fact from fiction. A black bear skull, pelt, claw, track and scat will also be displayed.
Environmental Ethics (PowerPoint/Lecture, 90 – 120 mins)
A brief introduction to the history of and differences between various schools of environmental thought and how they influence our choices.
Ethnobotany: Unique Uses of Common Herbs Among the Native Peoples and Early Settlers of the Midwest (PowerPoint, 60 mins)
“The seeds of our past are literally among us.” This quote from author Fritz Springmeyer in Willow Bark & Rosehips is an excellent starting point in understanding how the cultural history of both the Native Americans and the European settlers intertwined and spread throughout the centuries to connect us to our roots and common heritage. This presentation focuses on eight unique and unassuming plants: Spiderwort, Mullein, Yarrow, Horsetail, Plantain, Bloodroot, Dogbane, and Indian Paintbrush.
Leave No Trace (Discussion, 45 mins)
This discussion leads the participants through the seven principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Aarron “Ace” Minson, Natural Areas Manager
Blanding’s Turtle Monitoring (PowerPoint, 45 mins)
We will talk about the life history and habitat requirements of the State Endangered Blanding’s Turtle and share the BCCD’s experience in monitoring Boone County’s populations. We will also discuss how we implement what we’ve learned in habitat management so the Blanding’s Turtle will thrive on our local landscape.
Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring (Lecture, 45 mins)
We will discuss all of the reptiles and amphibians (herps) that occur, or are likely to occur, in Boone County. The knowledge you gain will enrich your experiences as you visit BCCD sites, and your own backyard, in the future!
Seeds for the Future (PowerPoint, 45 mins) Seeds of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, trees, and shrubs are the foundation of any successful habitat restoration on BCCD lands. Join us as we discuss our approach to collecting and distributing seeds from hundreds of native plant species to enhance wildlife habitat and, ultimately, our visitors’ experiences.
Joshua Sage, Director of Natural Resources
How and Why the BCCD Manages Its Natural Areas (PowerPoint, 60 min)
Have you ever visited a conservation area and seen a habitat enhancement project in progress and wondered why this work is being done? Now is your chance to ask questions, discuss individual projects, and learn about techniques used in managing natural areas.
