The Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve is home to a vast array of species, several of which are considered at risk both federally and provincially. Two species highlighted will be the Western Prairie Fringed-orchid and the Small White Lady’s-slipper, both listed as Endangered.
Sherry Punak-Murphy, Base Biologist, Canadian Forces Base Shilo
CFB Shilo is a vitally important training base in Western Canada. The unique nature of this area has been recognized for almost a century, and with proper care and management will sustain military training for many decades to come.
Two member presentations: Thailand: Teaks, Tusks, Tigers, and More
(Jerry Ameis) Manitoba Naturally Beautiful: Nature Photography Opportunities
(Al Ross)
A hike through Manitoba’s Carberry Sandhills presents frequent opportunities to observe hundreds of fascinating and colorful insects – wasps, bees, butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, cicadas, and many other families. With striking close-up images of these ‘creatures of the sand’, Robert describes their natural history and where to look for them.
Ken De Smet, Species at Risk Biologist, Manitoba Conservation Project Manager, Piping Plover Program & Alexandra Froese, Project Manager, Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program
This presentation will focus on conservation initiatives for two of Manitoba’s most endangered birds – the Piping Plover and Burrowing Owl. Manitoba Conservation has been involved in monitoring conservation initiatives for these two species since the late 1980s.
Randall Mooi, Curator of Zoology, The Manitoba Museum
The North Basin of Lake Winnipeg is dotted with several islands that have received only cursory attention from biologists. Dr. Randall Mooi has surveyed several of these islands for birds, amphibians and reptiles and has made some surprising discoveries: uniquely coloured snakes, unexpected toads, and rare birds, and even spiders that live in carnivorous plants. Join Dr.
Brian Joynt, Wildlife Manager, Central Region, Manitoba Conservation
Many wildlife species take advantage of the urban environment. Depending on individual perspectives and the species involved, urban wildlife can provide residents either tremendous enjoyment or incredible frustration, sometimes both!
In the company of Eric Larsen and Antony Jinman, Darcy St. Laurent successfully completed a trek to the North Pole during the spring of 2010. The trio was flown in by ski plane to Cape Discovery on Ellesmere Island on March 3rd. Throughout the journey, the men experienced gruelling conditions that made progress difficult.
Pamela Rutherford, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Brandon University
Southwestern Manitoba is home to sixteen species of amphibians and reptiles, and several of these species have localized distributions. In addition, many of these same species are secretive and little is known about their natural history.
John Gray, Retired economist and forestry consultant
This evening John Gray will explore the diverse uses and values of forests, and some of the issues in managing forests, drawing on examples from Canada, Manitoba, and elsewhere in the World. John studied forestry at the University of British Columbia and worked in forestry in B.C. He has consulted on forestry issues for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. W. Gary Anderson, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba
A life history strategy of slow growth and late sexual maturity have made Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) particularly vulnerable to over-fishing and habitat fragmentation. Over the last century, population declines have been sufficiently severe to lead to the potential listing of the species under the Species at Risk Act in Canada.
Our “members’ night” presentations have moved from the December program to our Annual General Meeting in March. So let us know if you want to contribute – we’re looking for two or three 20-minute presentations on nature-related topics. Travelogues should have a strong nature component, please!
Dr. Richard Westwood (Associate Professor, Environmental Studies Program, Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg)
The amount of undisturbed prairie habitat has diminished in Manitoba at an alarming rate over the past century. Dr. Westwood will explain the habitat requirements of several threatened and endangered butterfly species found only in Manitoba, and describe the history of the decline of these species.
