WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. - A series of brown-bag lunch programs are being given this April at Wind Cave National Park. Offered each Wednesday at the park visitor center, these 30-minute presentations are free and begin at 12:15 p.m.
On April 3, Fire Ecologist Dan Swanson will discuss how thinning the ponderosa pine forest around Mount Rushmore National Memorial has reduced tree density and crown fire potential.
April 10, Amy Symstad, United States Geological Survey Research Ecologist, will discuss how decisions park management makes may influence the response of plant communities to climate change.
April 17, Park Botanist Beth Burkhart will talk about a 3-year project to assess the condition of perennial streams in the park and present results.
April 24, Park Biologist Dan Roddy will look back at the last five years and evaluate the experiment to establish a self-sustaining population of black-footed ferrets in the park.
"These programs are a great reason to visit the park and learn more about what goes into managing our natural resources," said park superintendent Vidal Davila. "People are encouraged to bring their lunch and listen to the presentations."
Wind Cave National Park, created in 1903, protects unique cave resources and preserves a mixed-grass prairie and its wildlife while providing for the enjoyment of the public.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
