September 2, 2026
In August, more than 150 adaptation researchers, management practitioners, students, project partners, and other members of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC) community gathered for the Summer Science Symposium at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The Symposium is an annual opportunity to showcase adaptation science and strengthen research collaborations.
Local Perspectives
The conference began Tuesday evening with a research presentation by Tiffany Wolf of the University of Minnesota, who has been part of a long-term project investigating moose population declines in northeastern Minnesota. Her talk explored how forest and wildlife management, predator-prey dynamics, and parasite transmission intersect under climate change.
In keynote presentations later in the week, Dean Paron and Ann Pierce of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gave keynote presentations on how the agency is stewarding fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities in a changing climate, and the value of the MW CASC’s science and partnership.
Research Relationships for Adaptation
On Wednesday, University of Minnesota Regent Tadd Johnson gave a keynote presentation on the TRUTH Project, which examines how the history of Tribal-University interactions informs the way we consider current and future relations. The conversation continued in a panel discussion, during which panelists reflected on Tribal partnerships for climate adaptation – success stories, lessons learned, and opportunities to improve collaborative research relationships.
In an Innovation in Adaptation plenary session, Christopher Arp of the University of Alaska Fairbanks shared lessons learned from the Fresh Eyes on Ice project that are relevant to research on changing winters in the Midwest. The project, supported in part by the Alaska CASC, has built a network of community monitoring teams across the state to collect and share ice data.
“The speakers were incredible,” wrote one conference attendee, “I appreciated the focus on prairie conservation. Also, centering our research in different ways of knowing and uplifting Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge. As a young professional I really enjoyed all the opportunities to network and ask stewards questions about things they have been doing way longer than me.”
Hands-On Participation
The conference was preceded by a two-day workshop facilitated by Susi Moser, a leading expert on adaptation. Through presentations, discussion, and small group exercises, participants explored “transdisciplinarity” as a powerful research approach that – when applied appropriately – can foster trusted relationships for improved project outcomes and more relevant and actionable science.
Attendees got an on-the-ground look at local adaptation research through two guided field tours. MW CASC research team members Marcella Windmuller-Campione and Rebecca Montgomery of the University of Minnesota led a visit to Crosby Farm Regional Park, home to a long-term research site that is part of the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) network. MW CASC graduate student Miao He and advisor Eric Seabloom of the University of Minnesota shared their research during a tour of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.
A working lunch hosted by the MW CASC Community of Practice focused on implementing adaptation actions building on a presentation from USGS Research Fish Biologist Abigail Lynch on the Resist-Adapt-Direct framework in management decisions. Afternoon breakout sessions gave attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into adaptation case studies in forest, grassland, and water management. Additionally, early career scientists explored natural resource career pathways through two interactive sessions that incorporated perspectives from professionals in state, federal, and nonprofit organizations.
Reflecting on Impact
Throughout the conference, leaders from the CASC network, US Geological Survey, and University of Minnesota reflected on the impact and growth of the MW CASC in the five years since its launch. The scope of the MW CASC research portfolio was on full display in two rounds of lightning talks and a poster session, during which more than 40 people presented their research. The lightning talks were reported as highlights of the event by many – one attendee wrote, “It was a great way to showcase work happening in a short amount of time, allowing for further conversations if folks wanted.”
In the conference’s closing activity, Tribal Resilience Liaison Sara Smith encouraged attendees to reflect on their time together and the role we each play in moving adaptation forward. Individually and in small groups, participants discussed the work that needs doing, the skills they can contribute, and what they find personally rewarding to keep momentum into the next five years of impact.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’ll see you in 2027!
