SWS Membership Benefits
The North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists is made up of over 350 active members who are committed to promoting sound science, conservation and management of wetlands. We strive to provide access to the latest developments in wetland science, particularly by supporting student education and research.
The North Central Chapter was founded in 1983, just three years after the Society of Wetland Scientists was founded. Since that time Chapter membership has grown, and today stands at just over 400 members. The chapter has sponsored many regional meetings and field trips over the years.
Recently chapter members have worked to have several wetlands designated as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. These include Horicon Marsh, the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park and the Upper Mississippi River Floodplain Wetlands. Only 37 sites in the United States carry this designation; it shows the high value of wetlands in our region!
We represent 10 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
North Central Chapter
Neil Anderson Ph.D.
Neil Anderson is the Department Head, a Full Professor and J. William Fulbright Scholar, directing the Herbaceous Ornamental Breeding Program for the University of Minnesota. His administrative duties include research, teaching, and extension arenas. Dr. Anderson is an internationally recognized expert in plant reproductive biology, invasive species biology, geophytes, rapid generation cycling crops, tissue culture, molecular biology, plant breeding and genetics. His program releases many commercial cultivars with Intellectual Property (IP) filings around the world; he is also an expert in IP. Two of his crops were bred and developed into rapid generation cycling geophytes (flowering <1 year from seed). Dr. Anderson is also a recognized plant explorer, having collected wild species of ornamental interest across the globe. His research focus is primarily on breeding winter-hardy herbaceous perennials for ornamental value as well as green pesticides (pyrethrum, sabadilla); complementary research / outreach includes hydroponics, aquaponics, controlled environments, and preventing invasiveness of ornamental crops during domestication. His research and expertise in controlled environmental agriculture complement outreach activities across Minnesota in the Research and Outreach Centers. Dr. Anderson leads a large team of research scientists, graduate and undergraduate students. He teaches a wide range of online and live horticulture classes in Aquaponics, Floral Design, Greenhouse Crop Scheduling and Spring Flowering Bulbs. He has been the Major Coordinator for the Plant Science Major and now directs the Horticulture Minor.
Peg Bostwick
Retired aquatic biologist; formerly worked for Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality in 404 Program, and then with Association of State Wetland Managers as senior scientist.
Stephen Chu
Mr. Chu is an experienced Senior Professional Wetland Scientist/Principal Ecologist, with over twenty years of experience managing and completing complex ecological-related projects for both public and private sector clients in energy (oil & gas/renewable), transportation (rail and highway), Federal, and commercial/residential development. My areas of expertise consist of wetland delineations, wetland mitigation design, wetland and native restoration monitoring, habitat and tree surveys, floristic quality assessments, rare, threatened and endangered species surveys, environmental permitting and planning, Clean Water Act Section 404/401/408, Rivers & Harbors Act of 1899, Endangered Species Act, NEPA/FERC environmental documentation, and proposal preparation. He has worked on projects in over 23 states and can serve in a multitude of project roles from task/technical lead, field coordinator, field quality manager, senior technical reviewer, business development team, to project manager.
Gail Clingerman
Lewis Cowardin
Juli Crane
Ms. Crane is a Principal Wetland Specialist with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) in Lake County, Illinois, where she reviews permit applications for wetland impacts, helps administers Lake County’s Wetland Restoration Fund, and manages various SMC grants. Before joining the SMC, she worked as a consultant primarily in the Intermountain West and Midwest. With a B.S. in Wildlife and Range Resources and an M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife, Juli has over 30 years (yikes!) of experience playing with water, dirt (soil, for you purists), and plants… and forging paper trails. She has an alphabet soup of professional creds that get trotted out as needed, including Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), and Certified Ecological Restoration Professional (CERP).
Gillian Davies
Gillian Davies is a Senior Ecologist & Natural Climate Solutions Specialist at BSC Group, Inc., where her work focuses on climate change and wetlands, working with local communities to develop Nature-based Solutions, particularly wetland, forest, and soil conservation and restoration, and providing wetland peer reviews for Conservation Commissions. She is a Visiting Scholar at Tufts University Global Development and Environment Institute, is Immediate Past President of the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, was the 2016-2017 SWS President, is a co-lead for the SWS Climate Change and Wetlands Initiative and chairs the SWS Rights of Wetlands Section and the WOTUS ad hoc sub-committee. She serves on the International Association for Ecology (INTECOL) Wetlands Working Group. Gillian served on the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan working group. Gillian has a Master of Environmental Studies degree with a concentration in ecosystem ecology from the Yale School of the Environment, and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. She is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, a Registered Soil Scientist, and has received the SWS President’s Service and SWS 40th Anniversary Awards. In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy hiking, mountain biking and skiing.
Eville Gorham
Antonio Hornstein
Donna Jacob
Olivia Johnson
Carol Johnston
SWS President, 1992-93; SWS Fellow
Rebecca Kauten
Rebecca Kauten grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa and has spent the last two decades working in natural resource management, environmental science and field research relative to the native Midwestern landscape. From 2020-2024, she served as Scientist in Residence for Iowa’s only ecological field station and teaches courses in geographical and sustainability science for both the University of Iowa and Montana State University at Billings, where she mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers, facilitating opportunities for field-based study with agencies and organizations focused on sustainable development. Since 2009, she has helped facilitate more than a dozen study abroad programs to India, leading sustainable development experiences in six different states within the subcontinent. She holds advanced degrees in Geographical & Sustainability Science and Public Policy and spent several years working outside academia as a writer and technical communications professional for the private and nonprofit sectors. When not in the field or the classroom, she splits her time between Cedar Falls and rural Marion, Iowa (USA).
Ann Key
WDNR Professionally Assured Wetland Delineator, PSS, PWS, designed and manage 4 State approved wetland mitigation banks, conduct wetland delineation statewide
Paige Kowal
Paige Kowal joined IWWR in 2017. She is involved in water quality and ecological monitoring projects, supervising field-site and seasonal crew members, and geospatial analyses of wetlands and their surrounding landscapes. She has extensive experience studying coastal freshwater marshes in Manitoba (Delta and Netley-Libau Marsh) through her academic and professional work, and now works primarily on quantifying wetland ecosystem services provided by prairie pothole wetlands.
Paige graduated with her M.Sc. from the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Manitoba. Her thesis focused on using GIS and aerial photo interpretation to analyze historical changes in emergent vegetation extent within Netley-Libau Marsh in Manitoba in response to lake and river hydrology.
Jeffrey Mengler
Nearly 40 years of experience as a field ecologist in the upper Midwest, working mostly with wetlands in NE Illinois. Experience includes working for the non-profit sector, the federal government (US), and as a consultant.
Mark Moberg
Jessica Monson
Tina Myers
Tina’s contribution to natural resources projects includes over 20 years of extensive experience in multidisciplinary ecological work. She is recognized as a Senior Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) by the Society of Wetland Scientists and is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Professionally Assured Wetland Delineator. Her experience includes wetland determinations and delineations; wetland and waterway permit applications; wetland mitigation plan preparation, maintenance and site monitoring; wetland functional assessments; environmental corridor mapping; vegetation surveys including rare species surveys, plant community mapping and assessment; natural resource protection plans; feasibility studies; environmental assessments; upland habitat restoration; and biological monitoring of streams, wildlife surveys and wildlife habitats.
Tina has worked on a multitude of projects including many large-scale projects such as business and industrial parks, major transportation and utility corridors, and large commercial sites. She has held the role of project manager on numerous projects, and has been a lead scientist on countless other projects regularly performing quality assurance/quality control. Tina works closely with a wide variety of clients for commercial, governmental, industrial and municipal projects, as well as for private landowners.
Cheryl Nash
Ms Nash's natural resource experience includes ecological assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, wetland delineations/mitigation design, and permitting. She has extensive experience performing NEPA assessments, including categorical exclusion documentation, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.
Julie Nieset
Kimberli Ponzio
Kimberli Ponzio has over 36 years of experience working in Florida wetlands as an Environmental Scientist for two water management districts in the state of Florida, USA. Kim has been certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist for 25+ years, finding it important to ensure stakeholders from public, academic, and consultancy sectors that she has the education, work history, and skill-set necessary to deliver professional wetland services, and that she is committed to upholding a high standard of ethical behavior. Kim has been involved in leadership with the Society of Wetland Scientists since 2007, was SWS President in 2015, President of the SWS Professional Certification Program (SWSPCP) in 2020, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the SWSPCP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Kim is actively involved in helping to globalize the SWSPCP by making the Program accessible to qualified individuals, regardless of geography or financial standing. Kim’s approach has always been one of a collaborative spirit, which she believes is one of the most powerful mechanisms to further the cause of conserving, restoring, and protecting wetlands.
JL Richardson
Matthew Roberts
Environmental Scientist working in the wetlands and waters field since 2016.
Emily Schmit
Environmental Scientist at HDR Engineering, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska.
Joseph Schubauer-Berigan Ph.D.
Blake Short
Developing wetland professional from the southeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Currently working for GEI Consultants of Michigan and training to be the lead wetland consultant for GEI for the southeast Michigan region. Previous experience includes wetland delineation, mitigation bank monitoring, field botany, and field and lab mycology.
Alexander Simon
Environmental consultant specializing in construction permitting and compliance. Owner of Midwestern Environmental, LLC.
Sigrid Smith
Aimee Steinbrecher
Environmental science and engineering Ph.D student at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Environmental scientist - WOTUS Terracon Consultants
Drew Walterhouse
Last modified on June 6, 2017
ARTICLE I
Names and Objectives
- The name of the organization shall be the NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS, hereinafter referred to as the Chapter and as the Society. Qualified persons residing within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin who are also members in good standing with the Society of Wetland Scientists are eligible for Chapter membership.
- The objectives are as follows:
- Operate solely and exclusively as a charitable and educational organization to foster conservation and understanding of wetlands.
- Provide an independent forum for an interchange of ideas and data developed within wetland science in the North Central Region (hereinafter referred to as the Region).
- Develop and promote wetland science as a distinct discipline within the Region.
- Promote and evaluate the educational, scientific, and technological development and advancement of all branches of wetland science and practice within the Region.
- Further the knowledge of wetland resources and encourage wetland protection, restoration, and stewardship within the Region.
- Encourage a fraternity of scientists based on shared knowledge, dedication, friendship, and mutual professionalism within the Region.
- For the administration of the affairs and the attainment of the objectives of the Chapter, the Chapter shall have the power, either directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction or cooperation with others, to do any and all lawful acts and things, and to engage in any and all lawful activities that may be necessary, useful, suitable, desirable, or proper for the furtherance, accomplishment, fostering, or attainment of any or all of the objectives for which the Chapter is organized, as set forth in Article First a-e, and to aid and assist other organizations whose objectives are such as to further accomplish, foster, or attain any of such objectives.
- Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Chapter shall neither have nor exercise any power, nor shall it directly or indirectly engage in any activity that would cause the Society to lose exempt status from Federal income taxation as a corporation as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and its regulations as the same now exist or as they may hereafter be amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
Membership and Election of Members
- The membership of the Chapter shall be of the same classes defined in the Society Bylaws and Standing Rules.
- As used in the Bylaws and Standing Rules, the term "member in good standing" refers to a Chapter member within the Region who is a member of the Society in good standing, with dues paid in the current calendar year.
ARTICLE III
Officers and Board of Directors
- The Officers of the Chapter shall be President, President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additionally, there shall be two Board Members and a student representative who are elected by Chapter members. The Immediate Past President and the elected officers, board members, and student representative constitute the Executive Board of the Chapter who shall have the authority to meet in closed sessions.
- Only active members in good standing shall be eligible for nomination for an elected Chapter office. The student representative must also be a graduate or undergraduate student in good standing at a college or university within the Region.
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- All elected officers shall serve for a period of two years, elected board members shall serve for a period of two years, and the student representative shall serve for a period of one year.
- The President shall serve only one term in office and upon the termination of that term, shall immediately become the Past President and continue as a member of the Executive Board.
- The President-elect shall serve one term in that office and shall automatically succeed the President for one term in office.
- The officers, board members, and student representative of the Chapter and the members in any Standing or Special Committee shall continue to serve and be responsible for the business and activities of the Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws, or Robert's Rules of Order in the absence of specific guidelines, until new elections are held.
- If an officer, board member, or student representative cannot fulfill or complete the term of office to which he or she was elected, the Executive Board is authorized to appoint a replacement until an election is held at the next annual meeting.
- Society Board of Directors Meetings: The President will serve as the North Central Chapter (NCC) representative at all Society Board of Directors (BOD) Meetings. Chapter funds may be used to pay for all travel costs for the President to attend the BOD meetings if non-Society funds are not available. If the President is not able to attend a Society BOD meeting, then the other NCC Executive Committee (EC) members will be asked to attend in the President's place. The request to represent the NCC at the BOD meeting will be offered, in this order, to the following people: President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, Board Member-at-Large with the most time in their position, and the Board Member-at-Large with the least time in their position. If none of the people named above can attend the meeting, then a written report will be prepared by the President and distributed to the Society Board of Directors.
- NCC Business Meetings: When a Chapter business meeting does not occur in conjunction with the Society Annual Meeting (e.g., regional node meetings), the President will have the discretion to authorize use of Chapter funds to pay for all travel costs for one NCC EC member to attend and conduct the meeting. The selection of that person will follow the order outlined above.
- Other Events: Unless there is a specific and valid need for the President or another NCC EC member to attend an event and officially represent the Chapter's interests, Chapter funds may not be used to pay for travel costs of EC members attending professional events (e.g., meetings, conferences, workshops, training, field trips) or any non-professional activities.
ARTICLE IV
Meeting and Voting
- The Chapter shall meet twice annually; at the site of the Society annual meeting and at a place to be determined by the Executive Board.
- In the event of an emergency, the Executive Board may cancel a meeting or change the place of meeting, or order a Special Meeting. If a meeting is canceled, the Executive Board shall schedule the next meeting and a place agreed upon among the Board.
- A quorum for the transaction of official business of the Chapter shall consist of at least three (3) members of the Executive Board of the Chapter along with any number of active members in good standing present.
- A motion to amend the Bylaws or to establish or dissolve a Standing Committee shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting. A Special Committee may be established or dissolved at the Executive Board's discretion or upon completion of that committee's appointed task(s).
- The Chapter Secretary shall certify the voting status of members and determine a quorum. Any board member present may perform these functions in the Secretary’s absence.
ARTICLE V
Adoption of Standing Rules
- The Executive Board is authorized to adopt and amend Standing Rules necessary for the conduct of Chapter business by a majority vote.
- The Standing rules must include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
- Matters pertaining to Chapter finances.
- Prescribed duties of Chapter officers and Board Members.
- Provisions for the establishment, duties, and methods of selection of Standing Committees and other committees necessary to conduct the business of the Chapter. A Standing Committee is defined as one that is established permanently in the Bylaws as part of the basic organization of the Chapter, or by amendment of said Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI
Amendment of Bylaws
- The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing who attend a Chapter business meeting. Proposals for amendments may be generated in the following ways:
- Recommendation of a majority of voting members of the Executive Board.
- Petitions signed by not fewer than twenty members in good standing or 10 percent of the Chapter membership eligible to vote, whichever is fewer, and presented to the President at the next business meeting.
- Proposed amendments shall be submitted or petitioned at one business meeting and voted on at the next business meeting of the Chapter.
ARTICLE VII
Dissolution of the Chapter
- If the Society is dissolved, the Chapter is also dissolved, and all Chapter net assets will be distributed to a similar not-for-profit organization. Designation of the organization(s) to receive said assets will be at the discretion of both the Chapter Executive Board and the Society Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII
Chapter and Society Representation
- No member of the Society will represent the Society without prior approval of the Society Board of Directors nor represent the Chapter without prior approval of the Chapter Executive Board.
STANDING RULES
The following rules are established to assist in conducting the Chapter business.
Section 1. Duties of the President
The President shall be responsible for the business of the Chapter, make appointments authorized in the Standing Rules, establish special committees required for the business of the Chapter, and exercise such other responsibilities determined from time to time by action of the Chapter and its Executive Board. The President shall chair all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Board, and serves as an ex-officio member of all Standing and Special Committees. The President serves as Chapter Representative to the Society and as a member of the Society Board of Directors.
Section 2. Duties of the President-elect
The President-elect shall succeed the President without further election. The duties of the President-elect are to assist the President and to perform the duties of the President when that officer is absent or unable to act. The President-elect shall serve as chairperson of the Program Committee.
Section 3. Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary shall maintain a roster of Chapter members in good standing and serve as chairperson of the Membership Committee. The Secretary shall coordinate Chapter membership with the Society Secretary, and reply to or direct all correspondence pertinent to Chapter business affairs and membership. The Secretary shall maintain files and records of Chapter business, and maintain and update copies of the Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules.
Section 4. Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer shall attend to all appropriate financial matters of the Chapter, including payment of bills, collection of Chapter dues through the Society, and any Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements.
Section 5. Duties of Board Members
Elected Board Members shall serve as two-year voting members of the Executive Board. Special duties of these board members are at the discretion of the President.
Section 6. Duties of the Immediate Past President
The Immediate Past President serves as a member of the Executive Board for two years following completion of his/her term of office. The Immediate Past President serves as chairperson of the Nominating Committee.
Section 7. Duties of the Student Representative
The Student Representative shall serve as a one-year voting member of the Executive Board. The Student Representative will represent needs and concerns of student members of the Chapter at Board Meetings and provide Chapter Officers and Board Members with a student perspective on proposed actions. Other special duties of the student representative are at the discretion of the President.
Section 8. Duties of the Newsletter Editor
A Newsletter Editor appointed by the President shall prepare and distribute a regularly-scheduled newsletter to all Chapter members with pertinent Chapter business and information, including news of individual members and notices of Chapter meetings. The Editor is authorized to solicit information from all member and Society sources.
Section 9. Salaries and Expenses
Officers, Board Members, the Student Representative, and committee-persons of the Chapter shall not receive any salary. They will not receive any clerical or other expenses unless approved by the Executive Board in advance. In emergency situations, the Executive Board may approve limited travel expenses for the President or his/her designee to the Society annual meeting to ensure Chapter representation.
Section 10. Dues and Fees
- Chapter dues shall be collected as a part of the dues of the Society and provided by the Society. Student Members in good standing with the Society will be included as Student Members of the Chapter for no additional fee. Changes in Chapter dues and fees for all Chapter members shall be recommended by the Executive Board and approved by a vote of the membership at an annual meeting.
- Chapter dues are payable with Society dues, and members in arrears for one year are removed from the Chapter roster.
Section 11. Standing Committees
Standing Committees, composed of Chapter members in good standing, shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Board within 15 days after the business meeting in conjunction with the Society annual meeting, unless otherwise specified. Standing Committees shall assist the President and Executive Board in the Conduct of affairs of the Chapter. The Chairperson or his/her representative of each Standing Committee shall report at the business meeting of the Chapter. The term of duty for members of Standing Committees shall extend for one year, unless otherwise specified. In event of failure of the President to make Standing Committee appointments within the specified time, chairpersons from the previous term of office will remain in their post until such appointments are made.
- Membership Committee: This committee shall be chaired by the Secretary and shall be responsible for maintaining and increasing the membership of the Chapter. The Committee shall take appropriate measures to attract new members, and committee representation should come from various states and sources of employment to ensure wide-reaching contacts and interest. The chairperson shall appoint members to serve on the Committee.
- Program Committee: This committee shall be responsible for the physical and technical arrangements for chapter meetings and shall consist of members in good standing residing in or near the place of meeting. The Program Committee shall be responsible for technical paper sessions, tours of interest, and any auxiliary meetings connected with the Chapter meeting. The President-elect shall serve ex-officio and shall appoint members to serve on the Committee.
- Nominations Committee: This committee shall be responsible for soliciting and recommending the names of candidates for elected offices and for assembling their resumes and a sample ballot.
- Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee: This committee shall receive from the President all recommended and petitioned bylaw or rule changes and incorporate them into a draft for submission at the next business meeting for vote. The Committee shall be responsible for identifying needed changes and shortcomings in the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Chapter and reporting them to the President. The Committee shall furnish a corrected set of Bylaws and Standing Rules to the Secretary after changes are voted upon by the membership. The President shall appoint a chairperson, and the chairperson shall appoint members to serve on the committee. The chairperson or his/her designee shall also serve as parliamentarian at all Chapter business sessions.
- Special Issues Committee: This committee shall be responsible for receiving information and notices concerning regional wetlands and other issues from the pertinent public, local, state, and federal agencies and other organizations and the reviewing of same. Upon recommendations for action from the Committee, the chairperson shall draft a resolution or technical letter concerning a subject wetland issue to be reviewed by the President, and at his/her discretion, the Executive Board. The letter or technical resolution concerning special issues recommended by the Committee shall be approved by the Executive Board. The President shall appoint a chairperson, and the chairperson shall appoint members to serve on the Committee.
Section 11. Special Committees
At the President's discretion and at the recommendation of the Chapter membership at annual meetings, the President shall appoint special committees as necessary for conduct of Chapter business. Committees will cease to function upon completion of their assigned task(s).
Section 12. Chapter Archives
Archives for the Chapter will be maintained by the Archivist of the Society of Wetland Scientists and housed at the office of the Society. The Chapter Secretary will be responsible for submitting archival materials to the Society Archivist.
Section 13. Order of Business
The agenda for a Chapter business meeting shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following items:
- Call to order by the President
- Address of the President
- Determination of a Quorum by the Secretary
- Introduction of guests and visitors
- Reading of the minutes by the Secretary
- Financial report by the Treasurer
- Reports of the chairpersons of Standing Committees
- Reports of the chairpersons of Special Committees
- Other old business
- Installation of newly elected officers
- New business
- Adjournment
Section 14. Rules of Order
The Chapter shall adopt Robert's Rules of Order for conduct of business meetings. The chairperson of the Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee shall function as a parliamentarian at business sessions.
Download the North Central Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules.
North Central Chapter Spring 2021 Newsletter
Click here to read the bios of the candidates for the 2021 board elections.
North Central Chapter Winter 2021 Newsletter
Click here to read about your membership dollars at work and opportunities you have to receive discounts, present your research, participate in a mentorship program or otherwise get involved.
North Central Chapter Winter Spring 2020 Newsletter
Click here to read about the SWS NCC Annual Meeting held in Fall 2019, as well as news you need to know about what is happening at SWS, our chapter and throughout our region.
North Central Chapter Spring 2019 Newsletter
Click here to read about the upcoming Board elections including statements from all the candidates, and the new student chapter at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
North Central Chapter Autumn and Winter Newsletter
The Autumn and Winter Newsletter can be found here. A few highlights: student member updates and profiles, nominations for the election of new officers, and upcoming regional conferences.
North Central Chapter Summer 2018 Newsletter
This issue includes a summary of the annual meeting, our new student rep leaders, upcoming events, and notes from our regional reps. Also included are bios of our Student Travel Award recipients, Casey Judge and Camilo Rey Sanchez.
North Central Chapter Spring 2018 Newsletter
This issue includes the bios of the student rep candidates running for election, features the NCC Highlighted Student, Rosalind Russell, and open NCC committee chair positions. Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Winter 2018 Newsletter
Check out the committee openings, an interview with NCC Highlighted Student, Oacia Fair, and the winning photo in the NCC Photo Contest! Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Autumn 2017 Newsletter
Check out the note from NCC president, Julie Nieset, a recap of the 2017 NCC annual meeting and an interview with NCC Highlighted Student, Nate Stott. Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Summer 2017 Newsletter
Check out the note from the new NCC president, Julie Nieset, important information about the upcoming NCC annual meeting and the new Native American Arts initiative. Please click here to read.
Central Chapter Spring 2017 Newsletter
This issue highlights the candidates running for each position in the 2017 NCC election, features the NCC Highlighted Student, Kyle McLean, and includes proposed changes to the chapter bylaws. Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Winter 2016-2017 Newsletter
Check out the call for chapter officer nominations, learn more about the student research grant program and get the scoop on the NCC World Wetlands Day photo contest, starting February 2! Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Autumn 2016 Newsletter
This issue recaps the NCC Annual Meeting, promotes the upcoming Wetland Science Conference in February 2017, and features the NCC Highlighted Student, Casey Judge. Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Summer 2016 Newsletter
This issue provides more details regarding the NCC Annual Meeting, updates on the Wetland Treasures Program and features another Highlighted Student, Ed Price. Please click here to read.
North Central Chapter Spring 2016 Newsletter
This issue highlights the NCC Annual Meeting, updates on the proposed Bylaws and Standing rules and features Casey Judge in the new section, Highlighted Student. Please click here to read.
2016 Student Research Grant Program
The North Central Chapter of SWS was offering one $1000 Student Research Grant to graduate or undergraduate students conducting research in wetland science and who were enrolled in an accredited college or university in the NCC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin). At this time, grant applications are no longer being accepted.
North Central Chapter Winter Newsletter
The NCC Winter 2015-2016 newsletter is now available! Your auction fundraiser is highlighted in this issue. Please click here to read.
2015 Student Research Grants awarded
The NCC awarded the following individuals $750 in travel grants to support student research in wetland science.
Stephanie Hummel, North Dakota State University
Adam Janke, South Dakota State University
2015 Travel Grants awarded
The NCC awarded the following individuals $1000 in travel grants to present their research results at the 2015 Annual SWS Meeting.
Adrianna Ewa Krzywicka, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
NCC members have the opportunity to participate in many different local, state, regional and national meetings.
World Wetlands Day Facebook Photo Contest
Celebrate World Wetlands Day by participating in the NCC photo contest on Facebook! Here's how to enter:
- (1) "Like" the NCC Facebook page
(2) Post a picture on our Facebook page of you wearing your best wetlands field gear and/or wetlands-related t-shirt. Make sure to use hashtag #worldwetlandsday when uploading your photo
(3) Vote for your favorite photos by "liking" them.
The photo that receives the most "likes" by February 12, 2018, will receive a gift card! Creativity is strongly encouraged! Please post as many pictures as you would like, and encourage your colleagues to post and "like" photos too. Since the winner will be determined by the number of "likes" a photo receives, posting early will give you a better chance of winning. Questions? Contact Jessica Ackerman.
2017 North Central Chapter Annual Meeting - Fargo, ND
The Annual Meeting of the North Central Chapter – SWS will be held October 12–14, 2017 at the Radisson hotel in downtown Fargo. The Radisson provides easy access to all that downtown Fargo has to offer. The meeting will begin on Thursday with a half-day workshop. The workshop will focus on 1) what it takes to obtain your PWS certification and what it means, 2) aspects of wetland delineation and determination, and 3) policy and law considerations. This workshop will be a great opportunity to further your career as a Professional Wetlands Scientist. Thursday will conclude with a catered dinner with two guest speakers at the Radisson.
Day 2, Friday, will be a day filled with research presentations and a poster session. This is your chance to present the results of your work to both students and professionals from across the North Central region. Lunch and breaks will be provided at the Radisson, but for dinner we will all be on our own to explore the many eating opportunities available within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Native American Arts Initiative
We will celebrate the interaction between Arts and Science, and the intrinsic connections between Native American culture, water and wetlands, by sponsoring a Native American art exhibit. The NCC recognizes the traditional, cultural and spiritual importance of water and wetlands to people around the world, and wishes to better celebrate those connections. We'll kick off the exhibit on October 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Raven Espresso Parlor (916 Main Ave, Fargo, North Dakota, ND 58103). The works will be exhibited from Oct 12-31. Learn more.
On Saturday, October 14, we will conclude our meeting with an all-day field trip into Minnesota, where we will explore the beach ridges of Glacial Lake Agassiz, visit the headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park, and search for carnivorous wetland plants near Bemidji, all at the perfect time of the year to experience the Fall colors of Minnesota on full display. What more could one ask to see or do in a single day?
More information about this event, including abstract submission instructions workshop details, and featured presenters, can be found in the Chapter's 2017 Summer Newsletter. Having a good attendance at this meeting is key to its success, and also to our Chapter’s plans to continue holding these meetings each year, thereby providing our members with unique opportunities to meet, explore new areas and form new contacts with other SWS members throughout the ten-state region, represented by the North Central Chapter.
NCC Annual Meeting
Meeting Agenda
Thursday, October 12
12:00 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 5:00 Wetland Delineation Workshop
- 1:00 – 1:45 Wetland Law – Federal Perspective (Patricia McQueary)
- 1:45 – 2:15 Wetland Law – State Perspective (Dr. Christina Hargiss)
- 2:15 – 2:45 Break with Questions and Discussion (refreshments served)
- 2:45 – 3:30 Introduction to Wetland Identification and Delineation – [Corp of Engineers Manual – Wetland Hydrology and Wetland Plants] (Dr. Shawn DeKeyser)
- 3:30 – 4:00 Introduction to Wetland Identification and Delineation – [Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States – Wetland Soils] (Dr. Shawn DeKeyser)
- 4:00 – 4:30 Professional Wetland Scientist [Why become a Professional Wetland Scientist? The What, How, and Why of the Professional Certification Program] (Dr. Donna Jacob)
- 4:30 – 5:00Break with Questions and Discussion
6:00 – 8:00 Welcome Dinner with key-note presentations by Dr. Arnold van der Valk, current President of the Society of Wetland Scientists; and Patricia McQueary, North Dakota State Program Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer
Friday, October 13
8:00 – 8:30 Registration
8:30 – 9:40 NCC Business Meeting
9:40 – 10:00 Break (refreshments served)
10:00 – 12:00 Morning Paper Session
10:10 – 10:30 Greenhouse gas flux and soil carbon in natural, restored and drained prairie-pothole wetlands (Sheel Bansal)
10:30 – 10:50 Comparing ecosystem metabolism of restored and natural prairie wetlands (Lauren E. Bortolotti)
10:50 – 11:10 Restoring a large, freshwater, coastal wetland on the prairies: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exclusion at Delta Marsh, Manitoba (Dale Wrubleski)
11:10 – 11:30 Change over time at reference condition wetlands in North Dakota (Christina Hargiss)
11:30 – 11:50 Evidence for a climate-induced eco-hydrological state shift in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America (Owen P. McKenna)
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch Buffet with a presentation on publishing in WETLANDS, by WETLANDS Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Marinus Otte
1:30 – 3:00 Afternoon Paper Session #1
- 1:30 – 1:50 Migration of fishes in a coastal Lake Erie wetland (Nathan D. Stott)
- 1:50 – 2:10 Landscape genetics reveal possible drought refugia are driving population subdivision of the northern leopard frog in North Dakota (Justin M. Waraniak)
- 2:10 – 2:30 Beavers: Boreal ecosystem engineers (Carol A. Johnston)
- 2:30 – 2:50 Evaluation of hypothesized causal relationships linking spatial setting, climate, and biotic interactions to aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in prairie-pothole wetlands (Kyle I. McLean)
- 2:50 – 3:00 Break (refreshments served)
3:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Paper Session #2
- 3:00 – 3:20 A historical analysis of the changes in connectivity and plant cover in Netley-Libau Marsh, Manitoba, Canada: untangling the effects of Lake Winnipeg hydrology and Red River connectivity (Paige Kowal)
- 3:20 – 3:40 Estimates of water storage capacity and nutrient mitigation potential from newly restored and intact prairie pothole wetlands in western Manitoba, Canada (Bryan Page)
- 3:40 – 4:00 An approach to valuing urban wetlands using economic, social, environmental, and political factors (Rosalind Russell)
4:00 – 4:55 Poster Session
- Species composition patterns and soil properties of a fen in Eddy County, ND (Kristine M. Altrichter)
- Methylmercury production response to wetland creation at Kelly’s Slough National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota (Mark Fisher)
- Restoration of a former municipal waste site, Chesterton, Indiana (Joy Marburger)
- Habitat and seasonal preferences of the Gulf Mud Fiddler Crab across Gulf Coast tidal marsh vegetation zones (Gwendolyn A. Murphy)
- Mapping groundwater seepage in a North Dakota fen using thermal imaging (Ogochukwu Ozotta)
- Nitrogen and phosphorus removal indicators among patches in a freshwater coastal wetland (Bree Richardson)
- Ecosystem services of wetlands applied to improve urban green infrastructure in the Fargo Project (Jesse Riley)
- Assessing the distribution and concentration of neonicotinoids across Minnesota’s prairie pothole region (Nate Williams)
- Chemical connectivity of prairie-pothole wetlands – some early results (Yuxiang Yuan)
4:55 – 5:00 Presentation of Awards
5:30 – 6:30 Viewing of “Water and Wetlands” Native American Art Exhibit at the Red Raven Espresso Parlor
6:30 – ??? Dinner on own in Fargo
Saturday, October 14
8:00 – 4:00 Field Trip to Agassiz Beach Ridge, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, and Itasca State Park, with lunch in Park Rapids at the Good Life Café (http://www.thegoodlifecafepr.com/)
End of Meeting. HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!
Student Scholarships and Travel Awards
Looking for a forum to present your research to a friendly audience, gain experience, and build your resume? Our SWS-NCC annual meetings are the place where our members can share their work and focused on giving student members opportunities to become more comfortable with sharing their research.
More information on the workshop, submitting abstracts, registering for the meeting and field trip, room blocks at the hotel, etc., will be coming soon. Having a good attendance at this meeting is key to its success, and also to our Chapter’s plans to continue holding these meetings each year, thereby providing our members with unique opportunities to meet, explore new areas, and form new contacts with other SWS members throughout the ten-state region represented by the North Central Chapter.
Student Opportunities
Our student members are active in many different chapter activities, like presenting their work at the SWS Annual Meeting. If you are interested in starting a Student Association at your college or university, please contact NCC leadership.
2019 Tribal Grant
SWS NCC is pleased to announce the availability of up to $2,000 to support student-related tribal wetland work. Up to four awards will be made from the funds, which can be used for student research, education and outreach related to wetlands either for the public or within a classroom setting, internships, faculty support to teach wetland ecology on a field trip to a wetland, etc. The potential projects are endless as long as they improve the knowledge of wetlands and tribal members, and have an educational benefit.
All individuals interested in doing work at tribal colleges or schools, on tribal lands, or members of a tribe wanting to work on wetlands within the NCC region (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, WI, IL, MI, IN, and OH) are eligible for funding through this call for proposals. The deadline to apply is October 30th. More information and how to apply HERE.
Student Travel Grant Awards
Drew Ballantyne (Michigan Tech University), Andrew Kozich (Michigan Tech University) and Pam Moriarity (Kenyon College) receive their awards from NCC at the SWS Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. Photo credit: Loretta Battaglia
North Central Chapter Student Research Grant Program
The North Central Chapter is offering one $1000 Student Research Grant to graduate or undergraduate students conducting research in wetland science and who are enrolled in an accredited college or university in the NCC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin).
Business Meeting Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Spring 2015 Board of Directors Meeting
Spring 2016 Board of Directors Meeting
Fall 2016 Board of Directors Meeting
Winter 2017 Board of Directors Meeting
January 2020 Board of Directors Meeting
December 2020 Board of Directors Meeting
Membership Meeting Minutes
2019 September Membership Meeting
Illinois
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Illinois Wetland Reserve Program
- Illinois Wetland Conservation
State Contact
Jessica Ackerman; jracker@illinois.edu
Indiana
State Contact
Liz Pelloso; pelloso.elizabeth@epa.gov
Iowa
State Contact
Melinda Coogan; coogan@bvu.edu
Michigan
- Michigan Wetlands Bioassessments
- Michigan’s Wetland Reserve Program
- Michigan Wetland Protection
- Michigan Wetland Maps
- Michigan Wetland Action Coalition
State Contact
Kurt Kowalski; kkowalski@usgs.gov
Minnesota
- Minnesota Wetlands homepage
- Wetlands in Minnesota's Great Lakes Region
- Wetland regulation in Minnesota
- Minnesota Wetland Bioassessment Projects (EPA)
- Wetland Assessment of Cass County wetlands in Minnesota
State Contact
Elizabeth Markhart; bmarkhart@comcast.net
Nebraska
State Contact
Ted LaGrange; ted.lagrange@nebraska.gov
North Dakota
State Contact
Marinus Otte; marinus.otte@nedu.edu
Ohio
- Ohio Wetland Ecology Program at OhioEPA
- Ohio Wetland Bioassessment Programs
- Olentangy River Wetland Research Park
- Ohio Wetlands Foundation
State Contact
Hugh Crowell; hcrowell@hullinc.com
South Dakota
State Contact
Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Wetlands Association homepage
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Wisconsin Wetlands Reserve Program
- Wetlands Bioassessment Programs in Wisconsin
State Contact
Laura Giese; Artemis-NRM@hotmail.com