'Holy Carp!' to look at invasive species

Two upcoming events, including a comedy improv show, will look at invasive species in Minnesota waters.

The improv show, "Holy Carp!," will be at 7 p.m. March 9 at the Rochester Elks Lodge in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, Rochester.

Then, on March 14, Peter Sorensen, director of the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus Research Center, will talk about the latest research into invasive species. That talk is at the Cascade Meadow Wetland and Environmental Science Center.

Aquatic invasive species, including carp, zebra mussels, milfoil and others are invading Minnesota's lakes and rivers. Already, three different species of Asian carp have been found in the upper Mississippi River. The state lists hundreds of lakes and river as "infested waters."

The Theater of Public Policy, a Twin Cities improv comedy troupe, will feature Sorensen and Jeff Broberg, a local natural resources expert, talking about the issue of invasive species. The improv comedy troupe will then react to the ideas with skits. Following that, LP & the 45s will play oldies. Before the show, carp and other snacks will be available starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18, available at http://holycarp.eventbrite.com.

Sorensen's lecture is at 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Cascade Meadows, 2900 19th St. N.W., Rochester. The university's research center is the first in the world devoted to the study of aquatic invasive species. Admission is free.