ONLINE: Wetland Coffee Break

press release: "Toward more effective invasive species management, Part 2: How a system dynamics approach works in practice," by Craig Annen, Integrated Restorations, LLC

Note: This presentation will be more technical than many of the talks in the Wetland Coffee Break series

State and transition models of community dynamics predict that feedback processes and synergistic interactions among site variables maintain vegetation communities in one state condition (e.g., Phalaris dominance) rather than an alternative state condition (remnant sedge meadow). Sites that are dominated by invasive species challenge management efforts because these invasions are reinforced by detrimental feedbacks (such as accelerated litter accumulation) that resist restoration back to a pre-invaded condition. Conversely, beneficial feedbacks (such as restored hydrology) that undermine species invasions and support community recovery can be employed to augment management efforts and restore a site to a remnant condition. A systems approach recognizes and incorporates system dynamics to accelerate restoration gains and improve invasive species management outcomes. These concepts will be illustrated by a case study where a Phalaris invasion of a remnant sedge meadow in the Black Earth Creek Priority Watershed was successfully reversed by employing a comprehensive systems approach.

(We’ll post a link to the recording to the Part 1 presentation here so you can watch it if you missed it live to prep for this talk.)

Reference: Annen (2011). Manipulating Internal System Feedbacks to Accelerate Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) Control: From Theory to Practice.

Craig Annen earned his bachelor’s of science in environmental science and plant molecular cell biology from Edgewood College in 1998 and his master’s of science in aquatic botany from the UW-LaCrosse in 2001. His research interests include invasive species management, economical ecology, and mathematical ecology. Craig is senior ecologist and operations manager of the firm Integrated Restorations, LLC. He speaks fluent German, is a New York Yankees fan, and is a gourmet cook of Middle Eastern and German cuisine.

Wisconsin Wetlands Association launched our Wetland Coffee Breaks in to help keep our community of wetland lovers connected and learning about wetlands throughout the year, from anywhere! Our Wetland Coffee Break series features brief presentations about wetlands, the plants and animals that call them home, and the many natural benefits they provide to our communities.

Wetland Coffee Breaks are offered as live presentations via secure Zoom meetings. See below for a list of upcoming presentations and to register. Once you register, you’ll receive an automatic email including the URL link and password you’ll need to access the meeting.

Wetland Coffee Breaks are also recorded and posted so you can watch any that you missed live. Generally, we’ll post a Coffee Break recording within a week of the live session. You’ll find links to these recordings below.

We are grateful to all of the presenters for sharing their knowledge and expertise and to everyone interested in learning more about wetlands!

If you are interested in giving a Wetland Coffee Break presentation, or if you have a wetland topic you’d like to see covered, please contact Katie at Katie.Beilfuss@wisconsinwetlands.org.