In September, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) team helped plan and run the Cosplay for Science event in Urbana, Illinois. The goal of this gathering was to teach kids and families about invasive species using a Dungeons & Dragons approach. Over 100 attended this first-time event.

As part of the festivities, Karter Burgdorf, IISG AIS outreach assistant, helped teach attendees about the importance of raising public awareness about invasive species.

You can learn more from University of Illinois graduate student Avalon Feiler’s descriptive blog post on the university news site. Here is a sample:

“It’s a blazingly sunny September Saturday afternoon at Riggs Beer Company, a family-friendly brewery located on the edge of Urbana. It’s not surprising to see crowds of families basking in the dog days of summer with their food truck lunches and locally brewed pints of beer. Unexpected, however, are the patrons donning medieval and fantasy garb, accompanied by young children, some in princess dresses and others carrying around foam swords. 

These aspiring adventurers are here on a quest, recruited to take part in a training regimen to combat the incursion of invasive species from the Feywild, a magical plane that exists adjacent to our own that is full of weird and wonderful wildlife. Or, at least, that’s the lore a mix of Illinois graduate and undergraduate students, alumni and colleagues are presenting, hoping to attract people to a new and unique scientific outreach event.

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer. In partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant brings science together with communities for solutions that work.

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Don't miss out on the latest edition of our "Making Waves in Education" newsletter! Reserve your spot for a live, Students Ask Scientists call from Lake Superior, and stay updated on upcoming in-person events to learn and network with fellow educators. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about the Great Lakes and environmental education.
Join us on June 6-7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to explore aquaculture business management at the NCRAC Aquaculture Business Short Course! Presented by Sea Grant & @purdueextension, this course provides essential skills for effective farm finance management. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in aquaculture!Important Info:-Hands-on training to help aquaculture producers manage their farm finances-Includes one-on-one expert time + free $120 textbook-Instructors from Purdue, Mississippi State, and University of Maryland-Laptop + farm financials required for participation-Limited seating – first come, first served!More info at the link in bio.
May is National Water Safety Month—and Lake Michigan deserves your attention. Its waves may look calm, but dangerous currents and sudden drop-offs make it the most hazardous Great Lake for drownings.This May, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to get informed. Check out our brochures, safety tips, and the new Lake Michigan water safety video before heading out to the beach or boat.Full story at the link in bio.
Join the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative for an exciting webinar featuring educator and author Rick Reynolds. Rick will demonstrate how to engage grade 2-12 students using the newly developed science curriculum "Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems". Rick will share STEAM activities, including scientific investigations and simulations. Participants will also gain the tools and confidence to participate in the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative’s crayfish study- supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts. Register for the webinar at the link in bio.
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