The Midwest CASC convenes a community of practice (CoP) of climate adaptation researchers and practitioners engaging as peers in shared learning about adaptation science while informing, using, and implementing Midwest CASC research and resources.
Regular CoP discussions create a space for participants to learn collaboratively and exchange knowledge that will bridge the gap between adaptation science and practice with the goal of implementation of adaptation measures in meaningful, effective ways. Check out some highlights from our first year.
Interested in joining us? Let us know.
Up Next: Real-World Implementation of Adaptation Action on August 5
During the MW CASC Summer Science Symposium, the CoP will host an interactive lunch discussion on “Real-World Implementation of Adaptation Action” led by Abigail Lynch, a Research Fish Biologist with the USGS National CASC. Abby will present on the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework for decision making, and additional presenters will share Midwest-relevant examples and facilitate small group discussions.
If you’re interested in attending, please register here.
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Latest Updates from the Community of Practice
- In July 2026, the CoP hosted a "Tool Time" session. We heard from University of Minnesota’s Dr. Melissa Kenney on decision support science-informed best practices for creating tools. The session also showcased valuable climate and climate adaptation tools from across the region and fostered discussions around tool creation and use. Resources that were highlighted during the presentations are available in the CoP Resources folder.
- In May 2026, Dr. Mike Dockry, Tribal Relations Program Lead for the MW CASC, a registered member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and an Assistant Professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources, led a session on data sovereignty and best practices on data use.
- In February 2026, the CoP discussed climate indices as drivers of Midwest precipitation and temperature and implications for urban systems and green infrastructure resilience. The meeting focused on the research of Dr. Grace Affram, a MW CASC postdoctoral researcher based at Indiana University and working under the Environmental Resilience Institute.
In January 2026, the CoP used storytelling and group discussions to reflect on personal experiences with maladaptation. After grounding in key definitions and concepts, short, story-based examples from colleagues illustrated how well-intended adaptation efforts can produce unexpected outcomes and how those moments can become opportunities for growth. Participants spent time in small groups reflecting on their own experiences and exploring how maladaptation shows up in practice, who it affects, and what lessons emerge.
In October 2025, Dr. Abu Kibria from Michigan State University presented his work on wetland restoration for climate adaptation in the Midwest. The CoP discussed effectively engaging different stakeholder/rightsholder groups, sources of information about wetlands and ongoing restoration activities, and key barriers/opportunities for wetland restoration across the region.
The CoP was at the MWCASC Summer Symposium in August 2025. We held two sessions: a presentation on climate refugia mapping focused on the research of Dr. Yisa Ginath Yuh and an informal networking lunch.
Dr. Florencia Pech Cárdenas shared her research in May 2025 and led the CoP in an exploration of Indigenous methodologies and how to authentically engage with Tribes and Tribal research.
In February 2025, Dr. Sarah Ramirez from University of Wisconsin-Madison engaged the CoP in a discussion about phenotypic plasticity and the role of adaptive capacity in the management and conservation of vulnerable fish and wildlife species.
At the end of 2024, the CoP launched a LinkedIn Group as a new way for members to share resources and ask questions between meetings.
In October 2024, the CoP discussed barriers and enablers to adaptation planning, led by Dr. Diele Lobo and Dr. Melissa Kenney from University of Minnesota.
The CoP had its official launch at the Midwest CASC’s Annual Gathering in August 2024!
Featured Community of Practice Resources
- What is a Community of Practice? Check out this helpful overview by Etienne Wagner
- Understanding the impacts of synthesis research (Wyborn et al. 2018)
- MW CASC Synthesis Project Summary: Assessment of Adaptation Plans and Practices for Natural and Cultural Resources
- Criteria for evaluating adaptation success for conservation (Peterson St-Laurent et al. 2022)
- Tribal Resilience Action Database: Real actions developed by Tribes to build climate resilience
- Maladaptation: When Adaptation to Climate Change Goes Very Wrong (Schipper 2020)
- Managing Climate Change Refugia for Climate Adaptation (Morelli et al. 2016)
- Aanji-bimaadiziimagak o’ow aki Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Version 2 (Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission 2023)
- Indigenous Data Alliance
- Carroll, S.R. et al. “Operationalizing the CARE and FAIR Principles for Indigenous data futures.” (2021).
These resources are housed in a shared Google Drive folder for CoP members. If you would like access, please request to join via Google or fill out this form.