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GWINN -- Forsyth Forward has announced the opening lecture of its second Explore Our Wild series, featuring Northern Michigan University researchers Dr. Diana Lafferty and Dr. Rosenbaum and their work studying and conserving snow leopards in Mongolia. The presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Up North Lodge Event Center in Gwinn.
The event will provide community members with an opportunity to learn about one of the world’s most elusive and fascinating animals directly from researchers involved in international conservation efforts. The presentation will explore snow leopard ecology and behavior, the challenges facing populations in Mongolia, and ongoing conservation efforts that focus on both wildlife and the communities that share their habitat.
Lafferty is a wildlife ecologist and conservation scientist who focuses on understanding wildlife and developing strategies to protect and conserve species around the world. Dr. Rosenbaum is a behavioral ecologist who has worked extensively with endangered species in developing countries. Their work in Mongolia grew from a shared interest in snow leopard conservation and a commitment to developing conservation strategies that also support local communities.
Although the research takes place thousands of miles from Michigan, the project has a direct connection to the Upper Peninsula through Northern Michigan University. Lafferty’s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science Lab provides NMU students with opportunities to participate in wildlife research both locally and internationally, including research involving snow leopards, brown bears, wolves, lions, elephants, and other species.
The Mongolia project is also creating opportunities for NMU students to become involved in international research and gain experience in field techniques, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
Forsyth Forward’s Explore Our Wild initiative seeks to encourage residents and visitors to discover, understand, and appreciate the natural world while highlighting the people, places, research, and stories connected to the Upper Peninsula.
Forsyth Forward sees this opening lecture as an opportunity to bring international research and educational experiences directly into a rural community while showing local students that opportunities in science, conservation, and research can reach far beyond the Upper Peninsula. "We are all part of the same world no matter the difference in landscapes, wildlife, and people," Dr. Rosenbaum said.
The Explore Our Wild opening lecture is open to community members, students, families, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in wildlife, conservation, science, or exploring the natural world.