Upcoming events | College of Biological Sciences

November 7: Fungi Foray: Polypores and Wood Rot: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Ever wondered what happens to all the decaying wood in our forests? Come get to know the organisms that are responsible for breaking it all down and recycling the nutrients back into our forests: decomposing fungi! On our hike, we’ll explore various polypores (shelf-like mushrooms) and white and brown rot fungi that are instrumental in forest health. Then, we’ll get to take a closer look at these mushrooms under the microscope and create some mushrooms of our own in some fun art activities! For participants over the age of 15. All minors (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult.

November 12: PLANT DATA artist exhibit opening reception: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416

All ages, free admission. Artist comments at 5:30pm.

Art and science are, in many cases, inspired by similar motivations: a desire to explore the unexplored and to uncover the hidden patterns and relationships of everyday life. Both stir our passions, provide new lenses through which we view ourselves, and work to understand the universe we inhabit. University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek and the CBS Conservatory and Botanical Collections, in partnership with The Bakken Museum, have launched a residency program for artists to work alongside academic scientists to create new, visual artistic works. Join us and our 2026 artist, Emily Victory, to see what providing a unique space to connect with researchers, scientific projects and landscapes, and unusual academic spaces to investigate the intersection of science, nature, and humanity can do.

November 14: Minnesota Phenology: Nature Journaling: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Phenology, the study of the timing of nature’s events, teaches us how changes to the climate can alter the livelihoods of some of our favorite organisms and the ecosystems they depend on. You can practice phenology in your backyard or favorite nature area, too. This fall, join us to learn how nature journaling can help us keep track of these natural events and how they may be changing over the years. As tundra swans fly overhead and chipmunks gather their final supplies for winter, we will observe and record phenological events at Cedar Bog Lake and Beckman Bog. No experience with phenology or nature journaling is required. Ages 12+ welcome; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited; registration is required.

This is the first session in a four-part Minnesota Phenology series. You can attend one or all of the sessions. Learn more about the other sessions and register.

December 2: Ecology Book Club (Online): 6:30 p.m.

Are you interested in our impact on planet Earth? The web of life? Climate change? Nature? Ecology? If so, this book club is the place for you. Join us as we continue our journey of lifelong learning. The Ecology Book Club meets online at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register online.

December's selection is Floating Coast, An Environmental History of the Bering Strait by Bathsheba Demuth. Please check the club's webpage for updates.

NOTE: Books are selected by the club members, and no scientific expertise or background is necessary to participate. You don't even need to have finished the book!

December 5: Lichen Glow Night Hike: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Lichens are a brilliant part of our ecosystem, literally! Join us for an evening hike to Cedar Bog Lake to find fluorescent lichens glowing in the dark! Learn more about lichens and how they are identified, explore them under microscopes indoors, then look for them outdoors and see if they glow using UV lights. The Cedar Bog Lake hike is 1.25 miles of gentle walking over a variety of surfaces (sand, dirt, boardwalk). After the hike, individuals are welcome to complete a lichen craft. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, if you have one. UV lights will be provided. Registration is not required, but if you are planning on attending, please complete this short registration form to ensure enough supplies for everyone. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Save the Date: January 23: Cedar Creek Winter Wildlife Survey: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey is a joint venture between the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project and the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. The Winter Survey helps to gather information about species of interest to wildlife researchers working at Cedar Creek. The survey is a unique opportunity to improve your tracking skills, connect with nature, and help Cedar Creek scientists. You can read about our Winter 2022 survey, and our Spring 2024 survey.

Registration is required, but is not open yet - keep a lookout in December for the link to register.

The Winter Survey will be an all-day affair. We will head out in teams to survey snow-packed roads and trails for animal tracks, then come back in to share our discoveries with one another. Each team will be led by an experienced wildlife tracker who holds a Level III or higher in Track & Sign identification. In past surveys, our teams have identified and followed the tracks of otters, fishers, mink, and small weasels. You can see some of those observations.

The tracking survey will require hiking long distances through varied terrain, including prairies and forests at Cedar Creek. Come dressed for the cold temperatures and bring water and a lunch to enjoy on the trail. More information will become available via the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project website in mid-December.

January 27: Ecology Book Club (Online): 6:30 p.m.

Are you interested in our impact on planet Earth? The web of life? Climate change? Nature? Ecology? If so, this book club is the place for you. Join us as we continue our journey of lifelong learning. The Ecology Book Club meets online at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register online.

January's selection is Swamplands, Tundra, Beavers, Quaking Bogs, And The Improbable World Of Peat by Edward Struzik. Please check the club's webpage for updates.

NOTE: Books are selected by the club members, and no scientific expertise or background is necessary to participate. You don't even need to have finished the book!

February 14: Minnesota Phenology: Winter Insects and Birds: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Winter is a great time to think about phenology, where we study the timing of important life cycle stages for plants and animals. In this Minnesota Phenology program, we’ll turn our attention to birds and winter emerging insects to teach us about changes in winter and indications of spring. As we walk along a trail to Cedar Creek, we’ll carry out a bird count. We will also learn about winter-emerging insects that provide a critical role in supporting native fish, like trout. Back inside, we’ll get to know these birds better and understand how they survive the Minnesota winters. You’ll get the chance to make bird feeders for your own backyards to see who’s visiting as winter transitions to spring. No experience with phenology or bird watching is required. Ages 12+ welcome; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited; registration is required.

This is the second session in a four-part Minnesota Phenology series. You can attend one or all of the sessions. Learn more about the other sessions and register.

April 24: Minnesota Phenology: Emerging Plants: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Spring is a bountiful time for phenologists everywhere; plants begin to bud and bloom, insects emerge again, birds begin the long migration to their summer homes, and bears start leaving their cozy dens in search of food. Come relish in the warm spring weather with us as we study a few native Minnesota plants and help contribute to participatory science. We’ll practice observing and recording the life stages of various plants, in order to help scientists at the National Phenological Network keep track of Minnesota phenology. These same tools can be used in your backyards to study the numerous plants that spring brings. No experience with phenology or plant ID is required. Ages 12+ welcome; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited; registration is required.

This is the third session in a four-part Minnesota Phenology series. You can attend one or all of the sessions. Learn more about the other sessions and register.

June 26: Minnesota Phenology: Insects: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Insects are a wonderful window into Minnesota summer phenology; as the timing of their life cycles change, we’re able to see how the climate is changing and impacting ecosystems more broadly in the state. Come learn the various ways scientists collect insects and help us track which insects are most dominant this time of year. No experience with phenology or insect ID is required. Ages 12+ welcome; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited; registration is required.

This is the last session in a four-part Minnesota Phenology series. You can attend one or all of the sessions. Learn more about the other sessions and register.