By Matthew Strasburger | University Communication and Marketing
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 — and as a professor, Forsberg is bringing Husker students along for the ride across Nebraska.
During the five-day “Cranes and Chickens” spring break course hosted by Forsberg 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).
“The trip is all about getting field experience where students can actually see the things they’re learning about in class. Being able to understand the wonder that’s right here under our noses is really important,” Forsberg said. “Gaining a more local, personal understanding of the remarkable beauty that you see here in Nebraska helps us learn how we can all work together to protect it.”
Building that personal relationship with nature is what drove Forsberg to begin his own journey as a conservationist. While he was still a Husker undergrad studying geography, he worked as a trip lead for the Outdoor Adventures program. By bringing his camera along, he saw a way to merge his interests.
“I learned how to use a camera as a way to document our trips and fell in love with photography — from there, I knew that was something I wanted to do the rest of my life," Forsberg said. "I've been doing this work for over 30 years now, and it's come full circle to be working with Nebraska students who share the same passions.”
Whether by mentoring Huskers through the Platte Basin Timelapse project he co-founded in partnership with IANR or in his classes, Forsberg aims to reconnect students with our land and the people involved in maintaining it.
“We talk with farmers, ranchers, families and people working the land — they’re all part of the conservation effort," he said. "In Nebraska, conservation is done on a very local level — the very first step in these conservation efforts is to make it personal.”
But, in the end, it’s 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’s just like getting to know an old friend.”