College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences offers "Classes Without Quizzes" featuring everyday science for the general public
New kids-only sessions on honeybees, mammals and dairy science added to this year's lineup
Contacts:
Becky Beyers, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, bbeyers@umn.edu, (612) 626-5754
Patty Mattern, University News Service, mattern@umn.edu, (612) 624-2801
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/16/2010) —The state economy, landscaping, local foods and the latest alternative-energy research are among the featured topics at this year's "Classes Without Quizzes" on Saturday, April 10 at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus.
Nationally recognized experts from the university's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences will present mini-seminars designed for the general public, including students of all ages. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Classroom Office Building, 1994 Buford Ave., St. Paul. This year for the first time includes kids-only sessions on honeybees, mammals and dairy science.
Lee Frelich of the college's department of forest resources will present the keynote address, "Climate Change and Minnesota Forests."
The eight mini-seminars include:
Recreational Trails: Opportunities & Challenges Related to Physical Activity: Recreational trails have multiple benefits, including the opportunity to contribute to improved physical health. Minnesota Tourism Center director and professor Ingrid Schneider will discuss the challenges and consequences of trail-related activities.
Going Local: Interest in local foods has been growing rapidly, but local foods still account for only a small portion of food purchases. Applied Economics Professor Robert King will share findings from recent case studies exploring local food-supply chains and their prospects for growth.
Preparing for the Worst: Emerald Ash Borer Hits Minnesota's Streets and Landscapes: A primer on the symptoms of emerald ash borer, control and treatment options, and taking advantage of the situation to diversify a community's urban forest by introducing some new replacement species. Urban forestry professor Gary Johnson explains.
Edible Landscaping: Want to grow your own fruits and vegetables but don't want to sacrifice your ornamental landscape? Short on space? Tired of the same old annuals year after year? Then edible landscaping is for you! Horticulturalist Emily Tepe will provide some tips for incorporating edibles into your landscape this season.
The New Normal: The Challenge for Minnesota's Economy: The Great Recession is over and the recovery is underway. However, the economic conditions we will see over the next quarter-century have changed substantially. State demographer Tom Gillaspy and state economist Tom Stinson will explain how the "old normal" is over and the "new normal" has begun.
Using Biomass for Alternative Energy: The emerging bioenergy industry offers new markets that lead to increased profitability while providing opportunities to enhance ecosystem services. But how do we grow enough biomass for energy without affecting food and fiber production? Agronomist Gregg Johnson will explore these issues and share findings from new research that addresses these concerns.
Sustainable Animal Agriculture: All plant- and animal-based agriculture has an impact on our environment. Animal agriculture has been singled out as having a major impact on environmental quality and climate change, but misperceptions persist. Department of animal science professor Jim Linn will discuss the issues related to environmental quality, greenhouse gases and food animal production, particularly focusing on the dairy industry.
Return of the Bed Bugs: They're back! Entomologist Stephen Kells shares the story of these tiny invaders, where they came from and what you can do to avoid them.
Registration for Classes Without Quizzes costs $25 with discounts for University of Minnesota Alumni Association members and students. An optional lunch following the seminars is $10.
For information and to register, go to: http://www.cfans.umn.edu/AlumniFriends/Events/CWQ/ or call (612) 624-0822.