On August 14-16, more than 100 members of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center community got together in Indianapolis for our second Annual Gathering. The event was hosted by Indiana University, one of our consortium member institutions, on the IUPUI campus. 

During our time together, we deepened our connections to each other through interactive sessions, such as one on defining what success looks like led by Cory Suski (Illinois University) and Christopher Hoving (Michigan DNR), and informal social activities. Through local speakers like Phaedra Corso (Indiana University), Gabe Filippelli (Indiana University) and Elizabeth Mabee (Indiana DNR), attendees from across the region got to learn more about Indiana's priorities around climate adaptation. We also took two field trips: a walking tour highlighting examples of green infrastructure along Indianapolis' White River and a visit to Morgan-Monroe State Forest to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of managing Central Hardwood forests. 

There were several sessions and activities designed to help early career scientists network with other researchers and professionals and build key skills, including a tutorial on climate projections, a workshop on effective science communication, a poster session, and a mixer event that connected early career folks with experienced researchers and practitioners from a variety of different career paths. 

Additionally, we took advantage of our time in Indianapolis to hold in-person meetings for the MW CASC Consortium Leadership Team, Advisory Committee, and Synthesis Project Working Group, as well as a training on ethical tribal engagement. 

View a copy of the event agenda and see the gallery below for highlights from throughout the Gathering!