Darryl Hedman’s presentation will focus on polar bear ecology as it relates to Churchill and Manitoba, the Polar Bear Alert program, and bear safety recommendations. Of the 19 sub-populations of polar bears, 13 of them are in Canada. Manitoba Conservation has surveyed polar bears in September since 1969. During the surveys, bear numbers are recorded as well as body condition and location.
Marilyn Peckett (Superintendent, Manitoba Field Unit, Parks Canada Agency)
Join Marilyn Peckett as she shares the charms and challenges of managing two different national parks. Separated by 90 years of history and two provinces apart, Elk Island and Wapusk provide valuable habitat for two of our country’s magnificent species at risk: the Wood Bison and Polar Bear.
Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946) is described by the US National Park Service as “one of America’s greatest naturalists.” This artist, widely read author and scientist was instrumental in bringing the Boy Scout movement to the United States. Less well known are the years he spent in Manitoba documenting all its animal life including mammals, birds, fishes, snakes, etc.
James Duncan (Manager, Biodiversity, Habitat and Endangered Species Section, Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch, Manitoba Conservation)
Manitoba is well known for its ‘cuddly’ polar bears, hypnotic Great Gray Owls and writhing masses of mating Garter Snakes. But it also home to dragon hunters, pseudo scorpions and other assorted creepy creatures. From three species of arrow worms to over 25,000 arthropods, Manitoba has it all.
William Watkins (Biodiversity Conservation Zoologist, Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch, Manitoba Conservation)
Have you ever wondered if there are cougars living in Manitoba? Recent reports of sightings and three dead animals turned into Manitoba Conservation in the last seven years have excited and sometimes alarmed the public.
Dr. Alex Salki (Lake Winnipeg Foundation Board Member, Living Lakes Canada Liaison)
Established in 2005 as a charitable, non-profit ENGO by a group of concerned citizens, the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (www.lakewinnipegfoundation.org) is dedicated to restoring and protecting the health of Lake Winnipeg and its watershed.
Dr. Gary Stern (DFO Research Chair, Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba)
Dr. Stern is a senior research scientist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg) and a professor with the Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Geography, University of Manitoba.
Dennis Fast (Wildlife photographer, past president of the MNS, 1980-81)
In April 2010 Dennis Fast participated in the bi-annual Images for Conservation Fund Pro-Tour competition to help promote the conservation of wildlife habitat on private lands in Texas. Twenty photographers from 5 countries were invited to spend a month on separate ranches attempting to photograph as much of the wildlife on each ranch as possible.
Experience the Rockies in Winter
John Gray will introduce you to the beauty of the mountains in winter, and
to hut-based backcountry skiing in the Rocky Mountains.
Brian Joynt (Regional Wildife Manager, Manitoba Conservation)
Few people realize Manitoba is home to a wild free-ranging herd of wood bison. This genetically pure and disease free population lives in the Northern Interlake and is an important part of the national recovery strategy for this threatened species. This presentation will provide information about Manitoba’s wild wood bison, including their history, biology, habitat and future management.
