The Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) supported 2025 State Wildlife Action planning efforts by providing up-to-date overviews of relevant climate stressors and trends and detailed literature review/syntheses of direct and indirect climate change impacts to key natural habitats in the Midwest. On our February Science Seminar, Hugh Ratcliffe, ORISE/USGS Climate Adaptation Associate, will discuss some of the key findings across the seven reports, including notable climate trends and critical habitat vulnerabilities.
Hugh Ratcliffe is a climate change ecologist whose broad areas of interest include: the intersection of climate change and conservation, invasive species, climate adaptation, assisted migration, and wildlife management. Most recently Hugh worked as a biological science technician in Wyoming for the Bureau of Land Management, where he helped to collect data and implement conservation measures for a variety of threatened flora, fauna, and habitats.
Prior to this work, Hugh served as a student contractor for the USGS MW CASC while simultaneously completing his masters in Conservation Science at the University of Minnesota, where he researched the interaction of climate change and fire on invasive species in Minnesota prairies. Originally from Austin, Texas, Hugh completed his BA in Earth and Oceanographic Science and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College and now lives in Minneapolis, and in his spare time enjoys backpacking, playing soccer, board games, and cycling.
This is the second installment of our 2026 Winter Seminar Series. Stay informed about all upcoming events by signing up for the MW CASC newsletter.