Webinar: Starry stonewort science, prevention, and management

This webinar was recorded on January 16, 2025 as part of the Aquatic Invasive Species Webinar Series hosted by the AIS Detectors program at the University of Minnesota. Read more about this webinar and our guest speakers, Dan Larkin, Nick Phelps, and Ryan Wersal below. About this special edition webinar: Come learn the latest about starry stonewort from three Minnesota-based researchers. They will address what we know about the biology of starry stonewort and how we can apply this information to spread prevention and management efforts. About the speakers: Daniel Larkin is a Professor & Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He and his research team work on applied challenges in ecological restoration and invasive species management in lakes, wetlands, and terrestrial habitats. Through extension, he trains volunteers and professionals to support invasive species response and ecological restoration efforts. Dan has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied Biology as an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Nick Phelps is a Professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and the Director of the Minnesota AIS Research Center at the University of Minnesota. His research program aims to understand complex threats to aquatic ecosystem health and develop management strategies that balance the needs of relevant stakeholders. Nick has earned a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota, an MS in Aquaculture/Fisheries from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and a BS in Aquatic Biology from Bemidji State University. Ryan Wersal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato. His research team focuses on the biology and ecology of weedy species in order to develop management strategies to selectively remove these plants from aquatic environments. Ryan has B.S and M.S. degrees in Biology from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Ph.D. in Weed Science from Mississippi State University. Funding for the development of the AIS Detectors program was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a constitutional fund established by the citizens of Minnesota, using Minnesota State Lottery proceeds, to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Ongoing support for AIS Detectors trainings, events, and programs is provided by MAISRC, UMN Extension, and the State of Minnesota.