Events
Invasive Crayfish Collaborative Webinar Series
This webinar series will explore how agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations are working to control the spread of invasive crayfish while supporting crayfish biodiversity within the Great Lakes basin. If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive crayfish or want to learn how others are bolstering native crayfish biodiversity, join us as we examine species-specific actions, advancements in research and technology, and community-driven programs designed to enhance crayfish management efforts. Each webinar will conclude with a question and answer period, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with experts in the field.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series
No webinars are scheduled right now.
Other Events
Research & Management Lightning Talk Sessions
The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative is hosting TWO meetings featuring brief updates from researchers and managers on their current work in invasive crayfish impacts, distribution, management, and policy. Join us for these fast-paced sessions to learn about recent crayfish developments, connect with colleagues, and stay informed on efforts to address invasive crayfish challenges.
Session 1: Monday, April 27 3:00 pm ET/ 2:00 pm CT
Session 1 Registration: https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/UYDuACNsQDWjc3hQETl9Ag
Session 2: Tuesday, April 28 12:00 pm ET/ 11:00 am CT
Session 2 Registration: https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/-o4Bv71vTMmCVUccFRky-g
Recorded Webinars in the Series
Implementing invasive crayfish risk assessments: what has been done and what can we do? (recorded on 2/24/26, 55 minutes)
Managers and researchers can be faced with a need to classify risk levels of new, or potential, crayfish invaders—often with limited time and resources. Rapid assessment tools can assist in this process by providing a streamlined framework for analysis and decision-making. In particular, the Science-based Tools for Assessing Invasion Risk (STAIR) can be complementary to methods and provide quick and effective guidance for a new invader. In this Invasive Crayfish Collaborative webinar, John Bieber from Loyola University Chicago describes how other agencies have classified non-native crayfish and other non-native species, what rapid assessment tools are, and how rapid assessment (in particular STAIR) can be beneficial to use for an invasive crayfish.
Ecology and Life History of Midwestern Crayfishes (recorded on 12/17/25, 60 minutes)
Crayfishes in the Midwest occupy almost every type of aquatic and semi-aquatic habitat in the region. They function as critically important components of those ecosystems and in many cases represent a majority of invertebrate biomass. As “keystone” species, understanding their biology and roles in ecosystems is critically important. To assist with that understanding, Dr. Chris Taylor of the Illinois Natural History Survey provides an overview of midwestern crayfish habitat requirements, feeding, reproductive biology, and life-history.
Red Swamp Crayfish Telemetry Across Seasons and Techniques (recorded on 9/12/25, 55 minutes)
Red swamp crayfish are the most widely distributed invasive crayfish today and their management is an ongoing effort to mitigate their impact on invaded ecosystems. To support these efforts, researchers at Michigan State University used radio and acoustic telemetry to study red swamp crayfish movement ecology. Dr. William Ota from Michigan State University presents this research. The study found significant differences in red swamp crayfish movement ecology across seasons and local habitat conditions. Dr. Ota also highlights that radio and acoustic telemetry provide significantly different results for movement metrics, underscoring the need to carefully interpret telemetry data.
Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems: Hands-on Science for Grades 2-12 (recorded on 5/28/25, 61 minutes)
Classroom release of crayfish has been identified as a pathway for the introduction of invasive crayfish into local waterways. To address this issue, a science curriculum was developed to educate students about native and invasive crayfish, as well as freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. In this webinar, educator and author Rick Reynolds demonstrates how to engage grade 2-12 students using the newly developed science curriculum “Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems”. Rick shares STEAM activities, including scientific investigations and simulations. Participants also gain the tools and confidence to participate in the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative’s Crayfish Study- supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Crayfish in the Classroom: Learning Without Invading (recorded on 4/17/25, 58 minutes)
Science teachers incorporate live crayfish into their classes to teach concepts related to scientific observation, ecology, anatomy, and more. However, several species of crayfish often used may be invasive to different regions. Purdue University master’s student Izzy Paulsen presents her mixed method study that draws from interview and survey data conducted in Great Lakes states to explore how and why teachers use live crayfish and their interest in outreach. Responses indicate that using crayfish is a relatively rare behavior, but there are high levels of motivation for doing so and for interest in receiving outreach. These findings can guide professionals in developing resources and programs that promote safe behaviors while maintaining the educational and engagement benefits from crayfish use.
Using Photography to Showcase Crayfish Color and Biodiversity (recorded on 1/15/25, 59 minutes)
With over 700 species and a near-global distribution, crayfishes are among the most dominant and widespread freshwater invertebrates. Across species, they vary in size, shape, ecology, behavior, and more. One especially interesting trait is their color: while many are drab, around 15% of species exhibit vibrant blues, purples, reds, and oranges. The function of these conspicuous colors remains unknown but may offer valuable insights into the evolution of coloration across animals. Dr. Zack Graham from West Liberty University describes his research on crayfish color while also discussing how his photography highlights their underappreciated biodiversity.