Upcoming events | College of Biological Sciences

April 11: Lunch with a Scientist: Lichens as Environmental Indicators: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Lichens are a fascinating example of symbiosis in ecology. In lichens, algae and fungi support each other to survive in unique habitats and locations. Lichens also can inform scientists about environmental quality and climate change. Join us for April's Lunch with a Scientist when we host Dr. Natália Koch as she describes the unique characteristics of lichens but also their utility in science as environmental indicators.

April's Lunch with a Scientist program is hybrid, join us online or in person at Cedar Creek. Visit our Lunch with a Scientist page for details.

April 26: Ecology Book Club (Online): The Wild Life of Our Bodies: 6:30 PM

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 PM on Zoom.

April's Book Selection: The Wild Life of Our Bodies: Predators, Parasites, and Partners That Shape Who We Are Today by Dr. Rob Dunn

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!

April 28: Spring Constellations & Star Party: 7:00 PM

Come and learn more about the night skies in Spring. Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through the April skies. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, March 24, or Saturday, March 25. You do not need to register for this event.

May 16: Land Management: Garlic Mustard Pull: 9:00 - 11:00 AM

We are excited to partner with Anoka County to remove invasive species within Cedar Creek. On Tuesday, May 16, from 9:00 -11:00 AM, join us for a Garlic Mustard Pull to remove an invasive Garlic Mustard patch from the interior of Cedar Creek property. Bring yourself, bug spray, water bottle, long pants and hiking boots as we walk to the site from the main building, Lindeman Lab. Learn more about how to identify and remove garlic mustard. Tools, gardening gloves, and other supplies will be provided. If you'd like, bring a sack lunch and enjoy eating it out on the patio by Lineman Lab after the event.

May 12: What’s up Tonight & Star Party: 8:00 PM

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in May. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, May 12, or Saturday, May 13. You do not need to register for this event.

June 3: Solar Viewing: Solar Energy: 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Cedar Creek is excited to offer our first ever Solar Viewing Party in partnership with the Minnesota Astronomical Society. The event will occur at Cedar Creek on June 3rd from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Come to Cedar Creek to learn more about the sun and its importance to plants and life on Planet Earth. After family-friendly activities, experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society Members will use special telescopes and telescope filters for safe solar viewing.*

June’s program will focus on the sun’s solar energy and its impacts on animals and potential uses by humans. Activities are geared toward ages 6+. Registration is required. To register visit Eventbrite.

*NOTE: Looking directly at the sun without specialized equipment and filters can cause permanent eye damage.

August 25: What’s up Tonight & Star Party: 7:30 PM

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, August 25, or Saturday, August 26. You do not need to register for this event.

September 22: What's Up Tonight & Star Party: 7:00 PM

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, September 22, or Saturday, September 23. You do not need to register for this event.

October 20: Telescope Purchasing 101 & Star Party: 7:00 PM

Thinking about purchasing a telescope? This special Star Party program will include a presentation about telescope anatomy and terminology. Experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society members will also highlight key components and considerations to think about before purchasing a telescope. After the presentation, if the weather cooperates, head outside and view the night sky through telescopes. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, October 20, or Saturday, October 21. You do not need to register for this event.