Several ecological changes have occurred in Yellowstone National Park since the
reintroduction of gray wolves. Learn more about this conservation project in a
free lecture offered by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
“Aspen, Elk and Wolves on
Yellowstone’s Northern Range” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10,
presented by Eric Larsen, professor of geography, and Susan Talarico, associate
professor of mathematics. Both took part in studies of the wolves’ effects on
Yellowstone. Held in the Pinery Room of the Portage Country Public Library,
1001 Main Street, Stevens Point, this is the fifth in the eight-part College of
Letters and Science 2014-2015 Community Lecture Series. The public may attend
free of charge.
“After decades of decline, Yellowstone’s aspen forests have
recently shown signs of new life and new growth,” Larsen said. “For 16 years we
have been measuring and documenting these changes in Yellowstone’s aspen
forests, and looking at the role of wolf reintroduction in bringing about these
ecological changes.”
Larsen received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University, with
research interests in remote sensing, geographic information systems, physical
geography and biogeography. Talarico received her Ph.D. in mathematics from
Northern Illinois University and won a UW-Stevens Point Excellence in Teaching
Award for the 2013-14 academic year.
For more information on the Community Lecture Series, visit www.uwsp.edu/cols/lectureseries or email stappa@uwsp.edu.