Ripon College to host first Ceresco Prairie Celebration Sept. 7

Ripon College will host its first Celebration of the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. High school students from across the state are invited to participate in STEM- and music-specific activities, while the greater Ripon community is encouraged to participate in any of the day-long activities. The day culminates with an awards presentation, concert and reception to follow in the Ripon College C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts.

Ripon College faculty and guest presenters from area institutions will be conducting several sessions throughout the day including:

Morning activities:

• Hands-on science demonstrations and presentations including drones and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Organizing community science opportunities
• Hourly prairie walks featuring bird, pollinators and plant identification and a walking history of the prairie

Afternoon activities:

• Research and history lectures and presentations
• Choral concert

Attendees are welcome to enjoy lunch from the new Ripon College Cereco Provisions food truck and explore the prairie on their own as well. For a detailed schedule and more information, visit the event website. Registration is not necessary for the Ripon community.

The afternoon will conclude with an awards presentation. For his 40 years of service to Ripon College and the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy, George “Skip” Wittler, professor emeritus of biology and co-director of the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy, will be presented with a Service Award. Ripon College also will celebrate the legacy of the late William R. Stott Jr., 10th president of the College. Stott, a nationally recognized ornithologist and lecturer was a strong advocate for environmental education. As president, he established the task force that would result in the creation of the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy.

“The Ceresco Prairie is an important natural resource in our region that serves both recreational and educational needs of students, faculty, staff, and community members. Ripon College is committed to maintaining the Conservancy for the betterment of our region,” say President Victoria N. Folse. “I am grateful to event organizer and Presidential Spouse Dick Folse for providing an opportunity to celebrate this community resource and engage Ripon College and community experts in delivering this educational and creative venue.”

The day also will include sessions specifically geared toward high school students. Students interested in STEM activities will participate in the faculty sessions in the prairie while music choral students will learn 2-3 pieces of music under the guidance of Ripon College faculty and perform during the evening’s presentation. High school students are required to register for their specific track here.

Posted August 29, 2024 in Special Event, Student, Sustainability.

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