Title: UMD- Natural Resources Research Institute
Description: Marketable products from industrial waste materials… Restoring harvested peatlands to their nutrient-rich, soggy glory… Studying the effects of non-native earthworms on hardwood forests… These are just a few of the wide variety of projects that helps NRRI meet its mission of fostering economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
Link: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/default/default.htm
Contact Person: jdgeissl@d.umn.edu
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Title: Great Lakes Worm Watch
Description: Since the 1990’s, there has been an increase in earthworm awareness and research across the nation. Studies have been conducted by citizens as well as universities and agencies. Please click on the links above for more information on specific efforts in citizen science and university and agency research.
Many of the studies focus on specific aspects of earthworm impact on forest ecology including:
Effects on Plants
Effects on Animals
Effects on Forest Floor, Soils, and Nutrients
Effects on Mycorrhizal Fungi
Distribution & Invasion patterns
Link: http://greatlakeswormwatch.org/default.htm
Contact Person: rhueffme@d.umn.edu
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Title: Large Lakes Observatory-Blue Heron
Description: The Large Lakes Observatory operates the largest university-owned research vessel in the Great Lakes, the R/V Blue Heron. Built in 1985 for fishing on the Grand Banks, the Blue Heron was purchased by the University of Minnesota in 1997, sailed from Portland, Maine, up the St. Lawrence Seaway to Duluth, and converted into a limnological research vessel during the winter of 1997-98. She is outfitted with state-of-the-art research equipment that is described below. The Blue Heron has berthing for 11 crew and scientists, and can operate 24 hours per day for up to 21 days in between port calls. The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and is available for charter by research scientists on any of the Great Lakes.
Link: http://www.d.umn.edu/llo/facilities/blueheron.html
Contact Person: ricketts@d.umn.edu
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Title: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
Description: Come to Wolf Ridge, a nationally respected and accredited K-12 school and residential learning center. Our educational activities immerse participants in nature exploration, cultural history, outdoor skills, team-building, and personal growth. In addition to K-12 school programs, we offer summer camps, family vacations, grandparent/grandchild Road Scholar, wilderness trips, graduate naturalist training, and live education animal programs.
Link: http://www.wolf-ridge.org
Contact Person: peter.harris@wolf-ridge.org
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Title: Minnesota Sea Grant
Description: With nearly 12,000 lakes and a coast on the world’s largest body of fresh water, Minnesota possesses a bounty of aquatic and coastal resources. Through scientific research and public education programs, Minnesota Sea Grant works to enhance Minnesota’s coastal environment and economy.
Link: http://www.seagrant.umn.edu
Contact Person: chagley@umn.edu – soren360@d.umn.edu