MDS Annual Meeting & Gathering goes virtual with presentations, trivia, and an art contest!

MDS *Virtual* Annual Meeting and Gathering

Saturday, January 30th, 2021

    Join us on Zoom on Saturday, January 30th for our 2021 MDS Annual Meeting and Gathering!  All are invited to attend.  Starting at 1:00pm, we will have presentations, trivia, MDS updates, and a chance to win a dragonfly book or sweep net!  (See contest details below.)  This will also be a great opportunity to buy or renew your membership, check out our MDS swag, ask questions, and find out what's going on in the world of odonates and MDS.  The meeting will be held on Zoom, so get comfy, grab a mug of something warm, and tune in!  

   Limited space is available- please register to ensure your spot and get the link to join the meeting.  (Note- registration is required but can be done day-of as long as spaces are still available.)

    Agenda*: 

12:45 Zoom room opens/art submissions slideshow

1:00 MDS membership meeting & 2020 overview

1:15 Dragonfly Nymph Form and Function (presentation/Q&A), by Marla Garrison 

-art submissions slideshow in 5 minute break between speakers-

2:15 Canada Darner Migration (presentation/Q&A), by Emily Schilling 

-art submissions slideshow in any free time between speakers-

3:00 2020 Odonate Research Review (presentation/Q&A), by Ron Lawrenz

3:30 Dragonfly & Damselfly Group Trivia

4:00 Wrap-up (Dragonfly Nymph Award, how to buy MDS swag/memberships, & good bye)

*Please note- start times are approximate and may take place ~10-15 minutes before or after the listed time. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding! This event is free, but donations are always welcome to help us ensure the conservation of Minnesota's dragonflies and damselflies through research and education. Click on the 'donate' link or become a member at the bottom of the home page.

Dragonfly Dazzle Art Submissions & Contest
    Why do you love dragonflies and damselflies, and why do you think they're important?  Answer these questions via your own original artwork in the form of your choice: drawing, painting, writing, video, photograph, sculpture, interpretive dance; however you want to express yourself!  All skill levels are welcome to participate.

    Submit a photo, video, or document of your artistic answer by filling out this form with your name, age, and submission description before the end of the day Wednesday, January 20th.  Time allowing, your submission(s) will be shared during our annual meeting on January 30th and on our MDS Facebook group page.

   

Dragonfly Nymph Award- If you are between the ages of 4-20, you can also choose to have your submission considered to win an aerial sweep net and/or a Dragonflies of the North Woods (3rd edition) dragonfly identification book, by MDS founder, Kurt Mead.  Prizes will be awarded based on creativity, originality, and age group.  Only ages 4-20 will be considered for the prizes, but all submissions are welcome.

   FAQ:

• Can I submit someone else's artwork?  No, you should only submit your own original artwork.
• How many submissions can I enter?  There is no limit to the number of art submissions you enter, but only one prize will be given to each contest winner (ages 4-20) and we may not be able to display all of the submissions during our annual meeting.
• What if I don't want my artwork shared?  If you fill out the submission form, you can choose where you give permission for us to share your artwork.
• What is the deadline for submissions?  All submissions should be entered via the Google form before the end of the day on Wednesday, January 20th.  (This deadline was extended from the 18th.)  This will give the MDS Board time to vote on Dragonfly Nymph Award winners & post submissions into a Powerpoint for the meeting.
• Do I need to attend the meeting to win a prize?  While we would love to have everyone join us for our virtual annual meeting/gathering, no, you do not need to attend the meeting on January 30th to win a prize.
  
• Do I need to live in Minnesota to win a prize?  You do not need to live in Minnesota but do need to be able to arrange pick-up in the south metro area of the twin cities in order to win a prize.  (Sorry; shipping can be quite expensive!)