Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saint John's University
Peter Engel Science Center

Register by February 4:
$15 - Adults            $5 - Children (ages 5-15)

Walk-in on February 6:
(first-come, first-served, not guaranteed)
$25 - Adults          $10 - Children (ages 5-15)

Back by popular demand!

 Keynote Speaker: Stan Tekiela  

Stan Tekiela is an award winning author, naturalist, columnist, wildlife photographer and radio personality. He has a bachelor of science degree in natural history interpretation (naturalist) from the University of Minnesota. He has been a professional naturalist for over 20 years and is a member of the Minnesota Naturalist Association, the Outdoor Writers Association of America, North American Nature Photography Association, and Canon Professional Services. Stan actively studies and photographs nature throughout the U.S.

Funding for this conference is provided by a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).

Other sponsors include:                        

2010 Living in the Avon Hills Schedule of Events

View Session Descriptions (pdf)

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.        Registration/Check-in, Exhibit Hall opens, refreshments

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.      Initiative Awards Presentation (More info)

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.    Keynote Presentation: "Fascinating Loons," by Stan Tekiela

11:00 - 11:15 a.m.    BREAK/EXHIBITS/REFRESHMENTS

11:15 - NOON            Session I (choose one session)
          A. KIDS: Migration                                     F. Forest Pests Headed Your Way
          B. A "FOCUS" on Nature Photography            G. CSA Gardens 
          C. Geothermal 101                                    H. Unique Fisheries of the Avon Hills
          D. Property Tax Programs for Landowners     I. How Deer Survive Wolves, Hunters, and Winter
          E. Shoreline Restoration: From Lawn to        J. The Value of Design Standards
              Native Grass
          MinnAqua Session I: Intro to MinnAqua (11:15 - 12:10, pre-registration required)                     

NOON - 12:15 p.m.    BREAK/EXHIBITS/REFRESHMENTS

12:15 - 1:00 p.m.      Session II  (choose one session OR Lunch A)
          A. KIDS: Nature & Art                                 
          B. A "Prohibitive" Local History                     
          C. Solar PV for your Rooftop                       
          D. Property Taxes: Comparing Properties                
          E. Going Native with your Landscape
          F. Intro to Tree and Shrub Pruning 
         MinnAqua Session: LUNCH       

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.        Session III  (choose one session OR Lunch B)
          A. KIDS: Nature & Art                                 
          B. Residential Solar-Thermal Energy                    
          C. Development Options in the Avon Hills                      
          D. Tick & Mosquito Transmitted Diseases: An Update for Central Minnesota                
          E. Food Preservation
          F. How Deer Survive Wolves, Hunters, and Winter 
          MinnAqua Session III & IV: Diving In (1:00 - 2:45, pre-registration required)

1:45 - 2:00 p.m.        BREAK/EXHIBITS/REFRESHMENTS

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.        Session IV  (choose one session)
          A. KIDS: Nature Games                              F. Bald Eagles & Ospreys in Minnesota
          B. Songwriting: The Song In Your Heart        G. Fresh Local Vegetables in the Minnesota Winter
          C. Small-Scale Wind for Homeowners            H. Amazing Insects of Minnesota
          D. Transfer of Development Rights 101         I. Stearns Co. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
          E. Assuring Oak Regeneration in the Avon      J. Going Native With Your Landscape
              Hills
            MinnAqua Session III & IV: Diving In (1:00 - 2:45, pre-registration required)

2:45 - 3:00 p.m.        BREAK/EXHIBITS/REFRESHMENTS

3:00 - 3:45 p.m.        Session V (choose one session)
          A. KIDS: Nature Books                                F. Wolf Management in Minnesota
          B. Intro to Timber Framing                         G. Intro to Tree & Shrub Pruning
          C. Residential Solar-Thermal Energy             CHANGE! H. Unique Fisheries of the Avon Hills
          D. Conservation Easements in the Avon Hills  I. Food Preservation
          E. Recycling the Rain                                 J. Geothermal 101
          MinnAqua Session V: Ice Fishing (2:45 - 3:45, pre-registration required)