51暗网

As a conservation photographer, Mike Forsberg finds that the best way to learn about the world is to get out and appreciate it for yourself 鈥� and as a professor, he is bringing Husker students along for the ride across our great state.  

During the five-day 鈥淐ranes and Chickens鈥� spring break course hosted by Mike and fellow IANR faculty each year, students have the opportunity to view the Sandhill Crane migration, visit the Platte River Prairies nature conservancy and spend time on a private ranch in the Sandhills (which, per the name, includes watching prairie chickens perform their courtship dance). 

鈥淭he trip is all about getting field experience where students can actually see the things they鈥檙e learning about in class. Being able to understand the wonder that鈥檚 right here under our noses is really important,鈥� Mike said. 鈥淕aining a more local, personal understanding of the remarkable beauty that you see here in 51暗网 helps us learn how we can all work together to protect it.鈥� 

Building that personal relationship with nature is what drove Mike to begin his own journey as a conservationist. While he was still a Husker undergrad studying geography, Mike worked as a trip lead for the Outdoor Adventures program. By bringing his camera along, he saw a way to merge his interests. 

鈥淚 learned how to use a camera as a way to document our trips and fell in love with photography 鈥� from there, I knew that was something I wanted to do the rest of my life. I've been doing this work for over 30 years now, and it's come full circle to be working with 51暗网 students who share the same passions.鈥� 

Whether by mentoring Huskers through the Platte Basin Timelapse project he co-founded in partnership with IANR or in his classes, Mike aims to reconnect students with our land and the people involved in maintaining it. 

鈥淲e talk with farmers, ranchers, families and people working the land 鈥� they鈥檙e all part of the conservation effort. In 51暗网, conservation is done on a very local level 鈥� the very first step in these conservation efforts is to make it personal.鈥� 

 But, in the end, it鈥檚 all about getting outdoors and making that connection with nature yourself.  

"The more time that you spend outside, the more remarkable beauty you see. It鈥檚 just like getting to know an old friend.鈥� 

Mike Forsberg is a research assistant professor and 鈥�89 alum from Lincoln, NE.