Tonight: The Great Lakes & Invasive Species

Ever heard of the round goby? It's an aggressive bottom-dwelling fish capable of foraging in total darkness. It spread quickly through the Great Lakes basin probably after hitching a ride in the ballast water of ships traveling from eastern Europe and western Asia.

How about the zebra mussel? Since inadvertently being introduced to Lake St. Clair 25 years ago, they have caused problems at power plants and municipal water supplies, clogging intake screens, pipes, and cooling systems across the lakes.

And what about Asian carp?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside Biological Sciences Professor Dr. David Rogers examines the upper Midwest's most unwelcome visitors during "The Ecology of Invasive Species in the Great Lakes." This Friends of the UW-Parkside Library program starts this evening at 7 in the Overlook Lounge on the second floor of the Library in Wyllie Hall.

Starting with the sea lamprey in the early part of the 20th century, the Great Lakes have experienced wave after wave of invasion by species introduced from across the globe. Dr. Roger's talk explores the profound ecological influence these species have had on the Great Lakes eco-system and examines the potential for a sustainable future of this critically important resource.

A native of Green Bay with a doctorate in botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Rogers teaches environmental science, botany, ecology, and conservation biology. His research focuses on long-term dynamics of Midwestern plant communities.

"The Ecology of Invasive Species in the Great Lakes" With UW-Parkside Professor Dr. David Rogers is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

In the photo, Dave Rogers, left, talks land use ecology with Christopher Hudspeth's philosophy class during fall semester. He will speak about Great Lakes ecology tonight.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 3/29/2012

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