The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations is hosting a number of special, impactful events this month.
On Tuesday, a panel of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh experts offers a seminar, Biodiversity in Wisconsin: Why it Matters and Why We Should Protect It. The seminar begins at 4:45 p.m. in Sage 4232.
Panelists are Laura Ladwig, a plant ecologist studying how and why biodiversity changes in prairies and savannas; Misty McPhee, a behavioral ecologist focused on the reintroduction of endangered species; and Rob Mitchell, an entomologist studying chemical communication in insects.
Attendees will be able to engage with the experts on questions about the biodiversity crisis and how it is impacting Wisconsin.
Additional events:
- Earth Charter Keynote Randy Johnson will speak at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in Sage 1214 on Grassland 2.0—Restoring Prairie and People to Agriculture.
The Grassland 2.0 movement seeks to transform agriculture from an extractive, wealth-generating system to a regenerative system that puts caring for people first. The movement believes an agricultural system based on well-managed perennial grassland can be profitable to farmers and support vital, thriving rural communities while helping to stabilize the climate, clean waters, reduce flooding and support biodiversity. To be regenerative, they believe it must afford access to land by all people who want to farm and reward those who care for the land.
- Sustainability Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Sage Hall lobby. Attendees will learn about sustainability efforts on and off campus and meet reps from student organizations, academic programs, campus projects and community groups that are working to improve human and environmental well-being.
- Earth Charter explanation by Environmental Studies Director Jim Feldman offers an interactive explanation of the Earth Charter and why we celebrate it at UWO. The talk takes place from 10:20 to 11:20 a.m. Oct. 11 in Sage 1216.
- Film screening of Rhythms of the Land at 5 p.m. Oct. 25, will be followed by talkback with director and cultural anthropologist Gail Myers, co-founder of Farms to Grow Inc. Location of the screening is to be determined.
The film is described as a tribute to generations of Black farmers in the U.S. from the enslavement period to the present, whose love of the land and dedication to community enabled them to survive against immense odds. The goal of the documentary is to honor their lives and preserve their stories. The event is co-sponsored with African American Studies, the International Film Series, and the UWO Anthropology Club.
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