Students from the Lethbridge College Ecosystem Management class will be presenting on the following topics:

1. "Does Differing Riparian Vegetation in Two Southern Alberta Ponds Influence the Development Rate of Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) Tadpoles?" by Andre Brazeau
   • Abstract: Northern Leopard Frogs are a Species at Risk, and, although many studies have been done about what may affect tadpole development, there has been little research done on how vegetation may affect tadpole development. Dense riparian vegetation can cast shadows over the surface of water, lowering the overall temperature of the water body. This project attempts to determine if riparian vegetation density influences the development rates of Northern Leopard Frog tadpoles.
   • Speaker Bio: I was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta and spent the majority of my life there. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and it was this passion that influenced my decision to take the Renewable Resource Management diploma from Lethbridge College. Once the college came out with the Ecosystem Management degree program, it was a no brainer to continue my education there. My goal after school is to gain more experience towards my goal of becoming a Species at Risk biologist.
      
2. "Resource Selection Function for the Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) in Southern AB" by Brook Skagen
   • Abstract: The Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) is one of 42 conservation priority species within Canada’s Prairie and Northern Bird Conservation Region. The species has experienced a cumulative population decline of 71% throughout North America since the 1960s, the mechanisms of which are not yet fully understood. With the increasing use of statistical models in wildlife habitat conservation efforts, resource selection functions (RSFs) have become an effective tool in modelling habitat associations of avian species. RSFs may be used to characterize the distribution and diversity of species across landscapes, as well as provide valuable insight into the habitat selection process of an organism. The objectives of the study were to develop a RSF model for the Horned Lark using data acquired within the Milk River drainage basin, so as to predict areas of key breeding habitat in southern Alberta. These findings may assist conservation initiatives in establishing an appropriate scope for habitat management objectives within the province.
   • Speaker Bio: Brook Skagen is an avid birder, writer, and nature enthusiast from the town of Redcliff, AB. She has contributed to various conservation projects through her involvement with Nature Alberta, Bird Studies Canada, Alberta Parks, and the Alberta Conservation Association. Through countless hours spent traversing the badland coulees, prairie fields, mixed-wood forests and mountain ridges of southern Alberta, she has developed a sense of passion and awe for the natural world. Upon her graduation, Brook hopes to find a career that will allow her to utilize her passion and knowledge for bird conservation.
      
3. "Pilot study: The Reproductive Success and Habitat Home Range of the Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) in Southern Alberta." by Jalen Hulit
   • Abstract:The Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) is a small light grey upland game bird with a dark brown breast patch. They were introduced to North America from Europe during the early 20th century. For this project Grey Partridge were captured in January and radio necklace collars were attached. These collars were used to track movements of the birds, throughout the spring and summer. The objective of the project was to use the collected data to understand the preferred habitat of Grey Partridge during different life stages, along with nest success, clutch size and chick survival.
   • Speaker Bio: I am currently attending my fourth and final year of college at Lethbridge, where I am enrolled in the ecosystem management degree. I grew up on a farm 30 miles east of Coutts, Alberta on the Montana border. By growing up here I gained an appreciation for how everything in the ecosystem is connected and how it needs to be taken care of to run a successful farm. The past 2 summers I have been working at Alberta Conservation Association as a seasonal technician on the upland gamebird program. In the future I hope to be a Wildlife Biologist that works along side farmers and ranchers to better improve the native species that are found on their properties, while continuing to run their operation the way they always have.

Everyone is welcome to attend LNS events!  Donations are gratefully accepted to support the Society's ongoing activities.  Please share this event with friends who may be interested in learning more about ecosystem management

Cover photo by Ken Orich.