Roundtable Conversations
Roundtable conversations are informal sessions where people with a shared interest can come together to talk about that topic as part of the Wetland Science Conference. They are a great place to bring your questions or challenges to ask others for suggestions or to come up with solutions to shared challenges. Most importantly, they are great places to talk with people who share your interests and build relationships you can draw on after the conference.
Roundtable participants must be registered for the conference, however no advanced sign-up is required to participate in roundtable conversations. Please note that these sessions may be held concurrent with other conference content (working groups, workshops, field trips, and concurrent sessions), so check the conference schedule before you sign up.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Observations and strategies related to ash dieback
Time: 11:00 am – 12:20 pm
Facilitators: Meredith Thomsen (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse) and Dustin Bronson (USFS)
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been detected in almost all Wisconsin counties and is predicted to cause high mortality among the state’s ash trees. Although there are hopes for eventual biocontrol of EAB, the consequences for forested wetlands with a high proportion of ash species composition are now—and are likely to continue to be—significant. This roundtable provides an opportunity for researchers, foresters, concerned landowners, and others to come together to share what they have seen in terms of ash impacts, plant community shifts after die-off, and other observations related to EAB. Anybody with ideas or experience with management interventions related to the topic is encouraged to share those perspectives as well. If there is enough interest, we may break into separate tables for folks more concerned with green vs. black ash impacts.
Forested wetlands in Wisconsin: Sharing ideas across disciplines
Time: 1:50 – 3:10 pm
Facilitators: Andy Meier (US Army Corps of Engineers) and Greg Edge
Forested wetlands in Wisconsin are widespread, from the coniferous and hardwood swamps of the north to the floodplain forests that follow Wisconsin’s many rivers, but restoration and management of these wetlands often falls between disciplines. Wetland ecologists may see forested wetlands as challenging to restore due to the long-time period required to meet success criteria, while land managers with responsibilities for forested wetlands may focus on management of existing trees without a full understanding of the unique functions forested wetlands provide.
This Roundtable will aim to bring foresters, land managers, and consultants and wetland ecologists together to discuss experiences with forested wetland management and restoration and synergies between disciplines that may facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of factors impacting the success of forested wetland management and restoration. A primary goal of this roundtable will be to build connections between professionals of different backgrounds that may lead to long-term collaboration on topics related to forested wetlands.
Discussion topics will include ecology of forested wetland types in Wisconsin, evaluation of forested wetlands to determine management needs, the role of surface and groundwater hydrology in shaping forested wetlands, and successes and failures in forested wetland management and restoration.
Wisconsin women in wetlands
Time: 3:40 – 5:00 pm
Facilitators: Nicole Staskowski (Stantec and WWA Board of Directors) and Sarah Kraszewski (Heartland Ecological Group),
Any conference attendee that currently identifies as a woman is welcome to join this discussion. Topics may include advice from women who are more seasoned, mentoring themes for those new to the field, ways to foster diversity in our work environments, and discussions about striking a work/life balance. The discussion will range from serious to more light-hearted. We hope for participants to include those who have been in the field for decades as well as those who are considering this field for their profession.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Young professionals in wetland science
Time: 10:40 am – Noon
Facilitators: Tiffany Wagner (Ruekert and Mielke, Inc.), Alice Thompson (Thompson & Assoc. Wetland Services), and Patricia Trochlell (The Prairie Enthusiasts)
This roundtable provides a welcoming space for students, interns, and early-career professionals to discuss their experiences entering the wetland science field. We’ll explore training options, certifications, and career paths while addressing real-world challenges and opportunities. Experienced professionals are encouraged to join and share insights, advice, and lessons learned to guide the next generation of wetland scientists. The session aims to spark idea-sharing, foster mentorship, and build connections across all career stages. Intended audience: Professionals in wetland science of any experience—students, interns, early-career, or seasoned professionals. Bring your questions, personal experiences, and any resources or tips you’d like to share with peers. Discussion topics may include career paths & first steps, continuing education & training, mentorship & networking, challenges & opportunities, future growth.
The Mary Linton wetland poetry session
Time: 1:30 – 2:10 pm
Facilitators: Tod Highsmith (WWA Board of Directors), Alice Thompson (Thompson & Associates Wetland Services), and Mike Mossman (retired WDNR)
Former WWA Board Chair, wetland scientist, and poet Mary Linton founded this annual session in 2014 to provide a poetic interlude in the midst of the conference’s scientific presentations. Join us to honor her legacy as Alice Thompson, Mike Mossman, Lisa Hartman and Tod Highsmith read poems by various authors of swamps and fens, turtles and frogs, rushes and redwings.
Neonicotinoid pesticides in Wisconsin wetlands and community outreach
Time: 2:10 – 2:40 pm
Facilitators: Anya Jeninga-Nehls (University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension), Ellen Voss (River Alliance), and Sara Walling (Clean Wisconsin)
Neonicotinoids are one of the most commonly used pesticides, globally. There are widespread concerns that neonics are impacting aquatic ecosystems and in particular aquatic insects and associated biota in Wisconsin. It is estimated that 95% of all corn seeds and over 50%of all soybean seeds planted in the State of Wisconsin are treated with neonics and 90% of the pesticide is estimated to wash off and not be taken up by the plants. At present, work on this issue is not being shared in an integrated manner, and there appear to be important information gaps that are preventing a comprehensive understanding and approach to this situation. There is an increasing need to bring researchers, conservation organizations, NGOs, resource managers, members of the agricultural community, members of the public and media professionals together to learn about the latest research, study results, and build educational resources to build awareness around neonicotinoids.
This roundtable will focus on identifying current and emerging concerns related to neonics in Wisconsin’s wetlands, ways to connect professionals with impacted communities, and effective outreach strategies. The Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup aims to bridge the gap between communities and neonicotinoid research and professionals. This roundtable is open to anyone interested in neonics, with the intent to discuss future potential neonicotinoid outreach needs and opportunities in wetlands.