Lead a NatSci program

Nature of Science (NatSci) is a science outreach program that is held jointly with Itasca State Park. Scientists engage with Park visitors who are curious to learn about the natural world through the lens of scientific research. These events typically are 1-2 hours long, and can take a variety of formats (guided hikes, hands-on activities, or presentations) that are tailored to the topic.

NatSci is a unique opportunity for scientists to communicate their science to the broader public in an informal setting amidst the pines and beautiful backdrop of Lake Itasca. This opportunity is open to scientists at all career stages to lead an event, including university professors, instructors, postdocs, and graduate students, research technicians, and professional scientists. All research topics will be considered, not just those focusing on the Itasca region. Station and Park staff will coordinate logistics with presenters and will also provide support during the event.

To express interest in being a presenter, email [email protected] for more information.

Examples of prior NatSci events:

Fish and Physics: What Water Temperature Tells Us About Where to Find Aquatic Creatures
Minnesota lakes change with the seasons, and so does the behavior of the aquatic creatures that live in them! Explore how seasonal changes affect the behavior of zooplankton and fish. We’ll watch a lake-in-a-jar “turn over” and look at zooplankton under microscopes.

Ticks and Mosquitoes of Minnesota: Don’t Let Them Bug You!
Learn how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites while enjoying the great outdoors! We will go field collecting and learn how to identify different species of these critters.

Paint with All of the Colors of Itasca
Ever look at a plant and think, ‘wow, those colors are neat!’? At this event, not only will you learn about the plant pigments that produce those colors, but you can also learn where to find plants that produce those pigments in different biomes around Itasca while creating some art using plant pigments!

Tracking Dragons: The Science of Darner Dragonfly Migration
This program will focus on some of North America's largest dragonflies - the darners. Some of these species are known to migrate long distances every year. Come learn how researchers are working to understand their migratory behaviors and pathways. Get up close and personal with dragonfly nymphs - the juvenile life-stage of these amazing organisms - and try to catch some adults if we see any flying.

Minnesota’s Native Orchids: Where and Why!
Minnesota has several native orchid species, and you probably know at least one of them (hint - it's the state flower). Orchids grow all over the state. We'll talk about some of the fascinating biology of this interesting plant and where orchids live. We'll even take a quick hike outside to see some that will likely be blooming.

From a Bird's Eye View (Except for the Flying Part!)
Take a guided walk to meet birds that are starting their breeding season here at Itasca, and migrants that are passing through. Questions we will consider are: What are birds looking for in Itasca this time of year? How do they perceive their environment? What are they after?

The Afterlife of Trees
Take a walk in Preacher’s Grove focused on fungi, fire, and the 'circle of life' for trees. Tree death and decay is part of what makes Itasca and its old growth special, and the fungi that dominate biological decomposition are part of a massive biofiltration system that cleans the water draining into Lake Itasca.