75th Schedule of Events

Friday, September 12 (8:00 – 9:00 AM) – Pre-Symposium Meet Ups

Note: Pre-registration (by Sept 5) was required to attend one of these experiences. Please note that Dr. Li's Pre-Symposium Meet Up has been cancelled due to low enrollment. Anyone attending a lab tour must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals).

Aquatic Animal Health Lab Tour - Learn about how the lab studies diseases affecting aquatic animals, particularly Great Lakes fishes.

Host: Dr. Tom Loch
Details: Plan to arrive and be ready to board the shuttle (see below) before 8 a.m. Please be aware that no food or beverages are allowed in the containment facility. Also, attendees should have no exposed skin below the waist, meaning generally, that folks should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Location: This tour will take place at the University Research Containment Facility, where parking is extremely limited. Therefore, we will be providing round trip transportation between MSU’s Parking Ramp #5 and the Containment Facility. Click to see details about parking and meeting location.

Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology Research Lab Tour - Tour the Molecular Ecology lab and get a brief demo on several techniques used in the lab.

Host: Dr. Sam Brunner
Details: Please be aware that no food or beverages are allowed in the lab (although there will be a table outside where you can place your coffee). Attendees should wear closed-toe shoes. The lab is not handicap accessible.
Location: Room 27 Natural Resources Building - Click to see details about parking and meeting location. Click to see details about parking and meeting location.

FW 101L Electrofishing in the Red Cedar - Join the FW 101 Introductory Lab Class on the banks of the Red Cedar and watch students fish with electrofishing gear. Meet students and observe as they sort and identify the fish collected.

Hosts: Drs. Dan Hayes & Katie LaCommare
Details: Please stay out of the river as electrofishing is occurring. Class starts at 8 a.m., and instructors Drs. Hayes and LaCommare respectfully ask that between 8-8:30 a.m. observers watch from a distance as they orient the students to the day’s activity. After 8:30 a.m., either Dr. Hayes or Dr. LaCommare will be available to answer questions.
Location: East of the Library Bridge along the north bank of the river between the Library and the Administration buildings. Click to see details about parking and meeting location.

River Walk with FW - Take a morning stroll along the Red Cedar with fellow FW community members.

Host: Dr. Jeremy Hartsock
Details: River walkers should be prepared to walk approximately 1 mile round trip.
Location: Union entrance on Circle Drive – Click to see details about parking, meeting location and walking route.

Friday, September 12 (8:30 – 9:45 AM) – Symposium Poster & Networking Session

Location: MSU Union (2nd Floor Ballroom, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI) - Click for Parking Details

Explore innovative work, meet FW community members, and spark new ideas - all in a welcoming atmosphere with continental breakfast.

Friday, September 12 (9:50- 11:20 AM) – Keynote Session

Location: MSU Union (2nd Floor Ballroom, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI) - Click for Parking Details

Future Forward: Science, Stewardship, and Strategy: An inspiring keynote session featuring Mr. James Cummins, Past-President of the Boone and Crockett Club, and Dr. Doug Beard, retired USGS and CASC Senior Administrator. Together, we’ll explore bold actions needed to keep FW not just relevant - but essential. This conversation will focus on how we can deliver the science, leadership, and innovation critical to conserving our natural resources for generations to come.

Friday, September 12 (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM) – Panel Discussion

Location: MSU Union (2nd Floor Ballroom, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI) - Click for Parking Details

Turning Vision into Action: Perspectives on FW’s Path Forward: A panel of key partners will dive into what’s next for FW. This dynamic discussion will focus on ideas we can implement to bring the plenary vision to life - ensuring FW continues to lead in science, training, and impact. This panel discussion will be moderated by MSU Senior Outreach Specialist Dr. Jo Latimore.

Marc Gaden, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Becky Humphries, Chair, Michigan Natural Resources Commission
Mark Rey, Executive in Residence, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University; former USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment
Tammy J. Newcomb, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the Director, Executive Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Friday, September 12 (12:30 - 1:30 PM) – Lunch & Learn Mentoring Opportunity

Location: Landon Hall - Heritage Commons Dining Room (632 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI) - Click for Map of Walking Path from the MSU Union to Landon Hall

This is a casual lunch where mentors (alumni, faculty, partners, etc.) can share real-world lessons and career insights with students. Whether you're seeking advice or offering it, this is a chance to connect, reflect, and learn over a good meal.

Participant Instructions: Your name badge will include a dot with a number, which indicate your group assignment. Please gather in the atrium area outside the Heritage Commons Dining Room to locate your group. Refer to your e-mail confirmation dated 9/10/25 for link to group assignment and lunch entry instructions.

Friday, September 12 (4:00 - 10:00 PM) – FW Fest

Location: Michigan Wildlife Conservancy - Bengel Wildlife Center (6380 Drumheller Rd, Bath Township, MI)

Celebrate our successes with our community at an evening festival with food, drink, music.

Educational displays and games will be available from 4-7 p.m.
Food Service will run from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. buffet style. Don’t miss the S'mores at the Sand Bar all night!
Band will start around 7 p.m.

Parking: Please follow the parking signs at the facility as there is parking to the North up over the hill. There is no charge for parking at this facility.

Saturday, September 13 (8:00 - 10:00 AM) – CMERC Bird Banding and Breakfast

Location: Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center (9422 E. Herbison Road, Laingsburg, MI)

Start your Saturday with a peaceful and engaging morning at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center. Bird banding will be taking place, and attendees are invited to enjoy coffee, bagels, and donuts while exploring the station’s trails and research displays. Faculty and students will be on hand to share insights into their work at CMERC. This informal open house is a great opportunity to experience the teaching, outreach, and research happening just minutes from campus.

Parking: Free parking available onsite.

Saturday, September 13 (10:30 AM - 3:30 PM) – FW Tailgate

Location: Grassy Area West of Benefactors Plaza and Northeast of the Morrill Hall of Agriculture (446 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI)

Join the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources for a tailgate highlighting Fisheries and Wildlife and cheer on the Spartans! We look forward to seeing you for a fun-filled event featuring a variety of delicious food and beverages - including MSU ice cream! Enjoy yard games, face painting, and caricature drawings, and take the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.

Parking: Game Day parking is available in Parking Lot 7 and near the tailgate location. There is additional parking in Ramp 6 to the North and Ramp 2 near the administration building. Game day parking will be at current fall rates. Click for map of parking options and additional game day traffic information.

Photo Release: A photographer will be on-site during the CANR Tailgate event. By attending, you acknowledge that photos may be taken and used by CANR for promotional purposes. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us directly at events@anr.msu.edu.

Lodging Information

If you still need lodging, please see the list below for nearby Hotels:
Graduate – East Lansing, Michigan
AC Hotel
Candlewood Suites
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center – East Lansing, Michigan
Marriott - East Lansing, Michigan
Towneplace Suites by Marriott- East Lansing, Michigan
Springhill Suites by Marriott – East Lansing, Michigan
Hyatt Place - East Lansing, Michigan

MSU Union - Parking Details

Address: 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Parking:
The closest public parking to the Union is located in Ramp 6: https://maps.msu.edu/interactive/index.php?location=0222

Additional parking is available across the river near the stadium: https://maps.msu.edu/interactive/index.php?location=PRKG0095

Parking rates are $2 per hour. Payment is required immediately upon arrival and must cover the entire duration of your stay. Additional parking information available at: https://parking.msu.edu/visitors/hourly-paid-parking