SFS Annual Meeting

Experience Great Salt Lake: A Translational Ecology-Themed Tour

Sunday, May 19 – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(lunch and transportation included)

Great Salt Lake is the largest saline lake in North America (4th largest on Earth) and is a unique and important ecosystem that is of hemispheric importance to migratory birds. Much of the surrounding landscape has been described as “stark,” but it possesses an otherworldly beauty that continues to fascinate visitors from around the world. In striking contrast, the many wetlands surrounding the lake are lush and diverse, hosting about 7.5 million birds annually. The lake’s unique ecosystem has also generated unique industries, ranging from mineral extraction to a multi-million commercial fishery for brine shrimp. The lake also lies at the bottom of two watersheds where over 80% of Utah citizens resides.

Competing interests over the relative importance of Great Salt Lake’s economic and ecological values have resulted in stakeholder conflict and resource management challenges, and many scientific investigations aimed at finding solutions. This makes the lake an ideal setting for exploring the application of translational ecology.

This day-long tour along the shores of Great Salt Lake will allow participants to explore the beauty of Great Salt Lake and learn about this unique ecosystem. At stops along the tour, local scientists and resource managers will discuss how principles of translational ecology have been applied to protect the lake from increasing threats its important resources.

An Unforgettable Bird Watching Tour at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Sunday, May 19 – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(lunch and transportation included)

The Great Salt Lake lies on the eastern edge of the Pacific flyway and the western edge of the central migratory flyway, which makes its freshwater marshes and surrounding habitats critical resting and feeding habitat for migratory birds. The Bear River Migratory bird refuge is the largest marsh complex around the lake and among the most important wildlife sanctuaries for migratory birds in the United States. Over 200 species of birds visit the refuge annually, numbering in the millions.

Chris Luecke (Dean, Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University) will host a bird watching tour along a 12-mile loop through the heart of the refuge. Plenty of stops along the way will provide participants ample opportunity to observe and photograph birds using a mosaic of habitats, including: upland, mudflat, river delta, brackish and freshwater marshes, temporary ponds, and uplands. This ideal location, combined with the fact that this field trip takes place during spring migration means that it will be easy to see many species of birds along the way.

SRC Workshop

Sunday, May 19, 1:00 PM

The Society for Freshwater Science Student Resource Committee is partnering with the Utah Conservation Corps to lead a nature walk and river cleanup on Sunday, May 19. Leaving from the Salt Palace Convention Center, we will walk by the Utah State Capitol Building, along Canyon Road, and through City Creek Natural Area. The Utah Conservation Corps works on environmental and sustainability projects throughout the state and will be giving us a tour about the history of the city, drinking water supply, and natural features of the park. Lunch is included with the price of the workshop.

SFS-SRC STUDENT ORIENTATION

Sunday, May 19, 4:30-6:00 pm. No charge

Students, please join the Student Resource Committee (SRC) for our first ever student orientation (replacing the SRC luncheon). Learn about the SRC’s activities (e.g. live auction, silent auction, student-mentor mixer), opportunities to get involved in the society, and how to have a rewarding meeting experience. We will also seek nominations for leadership and committee positions. Light refreshments provided

SFS-SRC STUDENT/ MENTOR MIXER

Monday, May 20, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm; No charge

South Foyer

The student-mentor mixer is designed to facilitate interactions between students and experienced professionals. Mentors may include aquatic science professors, research associates, post-doctoral researchers, government employees, and private consultants. This mixer provides students a great opportunity to network and engage in lively conversation with mentors and peers in a relaxed environment. Each student will be assigned to a group, and all students over 21 will receive a complimentary drink ticket!

Inclusivity Mixer

Monday, May 19, 7:30 pm, No Charge

What better way for SFS to celebrate its diversity than with a party. We welcome you to the second Inclusivity Mixer on Monday May 19, 2019 around 7:30 pm at the Beerhive (10min walk from the convention center). Several food items (including vegetarian options) will be available; for now, drinks are on you. This is mainly a crowdfunded event with support from the society

Hidden Rivers film – SFS Premiere!

Monday, May 19, 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Presented by Freshwaters Illustrated
With filmmaker introduction and Q&A

Room 151 G

Ten years in the making, Hidden Rivers is a 1-hour film that explores the rivers and streams of the Southern Appalachian region, North America’s most biologically rich waters. The film follows the work of conservation biologists and explorers throughout the region, and reveals both the beauty and vulnerability of this aquatic life, and how many people are finding ways to protect it. Hidden Rivers is an immersive educational tool for anyone working to immerse academic and other audiences in the brilliant worlds of river ecosystems. www.hiddenrivers.org

HIDDEN RIVERS - TRAILER from Freshwaters Illustrated on Vimeo.

Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) MIXER

Tuesday, May 21, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm; No Charge

Location – TBA

The PUI Mixer provides a casual opportunity to meet and network for faculty and undergraduate students from colleges and universities that primarily focus on teaching under-graduates. At a location (tba) convenient to the Salt Palace Convention Center. Appetizers are included and cash/credit bar will be available.

5k FUN RUN

Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Cost: $30 (includes t-shirt)

The annual SFS 5k run will start and finish outside. A lead cyclist will guide runners and volunteers will be stationed at turns throughout the course. All participants will receive a 5k run or conference meeting shirt. There will be a brief awards ceremony at the immediate conclusion of the event. A portion of the proceeds from the 5k event will go to. Thank you for your support of urban green spaces!

EARLY CAREER MIXER

Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm; No charge

Location – The Green Pig Pub: 31 East 400 South

A casual networking opportunity for SFS members who have finished their terminal degree within the last 10 years. Meet at the Green Pig Pub, 31 East 400 South (convenient to Salt Palace). Cash/credit bar available.

SFS OFF-SITE SOCIAL

Wednesday, May 22

Location – The Leonardo

The SFS off-site social on Wednesday, May 22nd, will be hosted at The Leonardo Museum, located right in downtown Salt Lake City, just a mile from the Salt Palace Convention Center. At The Leonardo, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, live music, and the beauty of science and art installations on three floors while socializing with SFS colleagues and friends. Guests will be entertained through dinner by the relaxing and creative sounds of HUSH, starring their lead singer, Joslyn. After dinner, stick around to explore the intriguing exhibits and experience the sounds of the Metro Music Club, performing in The Leonardo Atrium. Stay close and dance to the music on the atrium’s first floor, hang near the atrium’s second floor balcony just above the performance area for more space, or find a quiet spot on the third floor to reconnect with friends and colleagues. Metro Music Club specializes in music for all ages with a range of covers in funk, retro, oldies, disco, rock, blues, and new hits – so there will be something for everyone. Come explore all the ways that science, technology, art, music, and creativity connect at this special location!

EARLY CAREER WORKSHOP

Thursday, May 23, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm; Cost: $15; Capacity: 30

Room 252 AB

Immediately following the preceding NSF special session, "Advancing Freshwater Science: A Discussion with the National Science Foundation," NSF panelists will continue with a Q&A-style discussion workshop focused on tips and advice for early career scientists wanting to learn how to apply for NSF funding and interact with program officers. Open to SFS members who have finished their terminal degree within the last 10 years. Lunch is included.

EXPLORE THE ECOLOGY OF GREAT SALT LAKE AND ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

Friday, May 24, 8:00-4:00; Cost: $60 (lunch and transportation provided)

Wrap up your visit to Utah with a day exploring the unique ecosystem of Great Salt Lake from its largest island, Antelope Island State Park. We’ll introduce you to the chemistry, geology, and ecology of the lake, with opportunities to sample water that is three times saltier than the ocean and see its star inhabitant, the brine shrimp. Migratory birds visit Great Salt Lake by the millions each year, so there will be opportunities to do a little birdwatching. Here’s your chance to literally “get your feet wet” in one of the most interesting aquatic ecosystems in North America.

We’ll also spend time on land enjoying the stark beauty of Antelope Island. As one of Utah’s most visited State Parks, Antelope Island offers exceptional wildlife viewing. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about how the herds of bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep are managed, and we just might find a few different species of owls while we’re there.

This day-long tour will be led by Mark Larese-Casanova, Director of the Utah Master Naturalist program with Utah State University Extension. Bring your binoculars, long pants and shirt, and water shoes or sandals. Headnets will be available to borrow.