Roadsides and wildlife will be the featured topics at a public meeting at the Minnesota Department of Transportation office in Marshall on Thursday, Dec. 4.

“When left undisturbed, roadsides hold tremendous potential for pheasants and numerous other wildlife species and important insects including pollinators,” said Carmelita Nelson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Roadsides for Wildlife program coordinator. “In addition, they can provide important water quality and erosion control benefits. Unfortunately, roadsides are routinely mowed, sprayed and otherwise disturbed in ways that minimize those potential benefits.”

The event is free and open to anyone with an interest in the potential of roadsides for wildlife. State, county and township road authorities, members of Pheasants Forever, private landowners, local officials, SWCD staff, farmers, and Legislators are especially encouraged to attend, Nelson said.

The session will begin with refreshments and a “meet and greet” at 9:30 a.m., followed by speakers and discussions from 10 a.m. to noon. Topics to be addressed include the Department of Natural Resources Roadsides for Wildlife Program, Prairie Passage Routes, biological control of leafy spurge, deer alert system research and more.

Following a noon lunch ($7), there will be a field trip from 1-2 p.m. to Camden State Park to visit the deer research site and Prairie Passages route.

The Mn/DOT Marshall Office is a shared facility with Minnesota State Patrol, located at 1800 E. College Drive, Marshall. Participants are asked to enter through the east door.