Minnesota Natural History Lecture Series

Interested in learning more about Minnesota's natural world? Join us each month for a lecture and discussion on a variety of natural history topics. All ages are welcome to all of our lectures, however we have designated some lectures as kid-friendly when the topics and presentation styles are more suitable for kids. Lectures that are designated as teacher-friendly indicate that there will be classroom resources available for teachers at the lecture.

Lecture Schedule:

Sept. 17

Another Look at Genetically Modified Foods
Jean Lavigne, CSB/SJU Professor of Environmental Studies
Just ten years after genetically modified crops became widespread in the U.S., 20 million acres of corn and soybeans have been invaded by so-called "superweeds," which have evolved resistance to Monsanto's RoundUp products. Developments like this, along with the GM food labeling initiative on the California ballot this November, provide an opporunity for reconsidering the role of GM foods in the U.S.

Oct. 15

Climbing the Grand Staircase: A Journey Through 1.2 Billion Years of Earth's History
Larry Davis, CSB/SJU Professor of Geology
Stretching northward from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Bryce Canyon in Utah, the "Grand Staircase" is a majestic geological feature. One might imagine each step as a book, each formation as a chapter in the book, and each rock layer as a page. Each "page" records the events of the past. As one climbs over the steps, interpreting the geological record, the history of the Earth is revealed.

Saturday, Nov. 3

Stargazing at Saint John's with WCCO meteorologist Mike Lynch
Pellegrene Auditorium, SJU, followed by star-gazing in the Saint John's Arboretum
7:00-9:00PM
Come to an out-of-this-world starwatch party to learn about and then see, nebula, constellations, and high-tech telescopes! Mike will first give an indoor presentation in Pellegrene Auditorium, SJU. Then, we'll head into the Saint John's Abbey Arboretum to stargaze! We'll be using Mike Lynch's telescopes, including two giant 20 inch reflecting telescopes and a new astronomical camera-telescope system for extra special views of our more distant universe.

Previous Lecture Topics:

Owl Hoot
Marco Restani, SCSU professor of biology

Our Place in the Universe
John O'Reilly, Saint John's Arboretum

Tree Rings and the Tales They Tell
Troy Knight, CSB/SJU Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Seeing Through the Lens: Photography in the Great Outdoors
Ken Bachofer, Nature Photographer, MN Master Naturalist Volunteer

Worm Watch: Invasive Earthworms
Ryan Hueffmeier, Great Lakes Worm Watch, University of Minnesota Duluth

The Botany of Harry Potter
Steve Saupe, CSB/SJU professor of biology

Loons at Saint John's
Carol Jansky, CSB/SJU Biology Lab Coordinator
Read more about Saint John's Loons.