Guest Speaker

Filtering by: Guest Speaker

Amy Wiedenfeld - Tracking Population Change in the Endangered Wood-poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
Feb
14
7:00 PM19:00

Amy Wiedenfeld - Tracking Population Change in the Endangered Wood-poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

The wood-poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) is federally endangered in Canada, with few known populations. Though the wood-poppy is rare, little is known about the population dynamics, and whether or not the remaining populations are likely to remain viabl

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Oct
12
8:00 PM20:00

Annual General Meeting 2022

  • Lethbridge Naturalists' Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Board of Directors of the Lethbridge Naturalists' Society invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting of Members to be held on Wednesday October 12, 2022 starting at 8:00 PM, after the guest speaker presentation. The meeting will be held at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre community room, located in the Lethbridge river valley at the north end of Indian Battle Road South.

Nature Lethbridge
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA

October 12, 2022 at 8:00pm at Helen Schuler Nature Centre Community Room

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Approval of the Minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting

4. Reports of Officers:

a.   President’s Report

b.   Treasurer’s Report

6. New Business

a.   Approval of the revised Bylaws

b.   Revised Board of Director’s Handbook notice  

c.    Discussion of Nature Lethbridge’s direction/activities for 2022/23

a.   Speaker series

b.   Field trips

d.   Appointment of Auditors 2022/2023

e.   Election of Officers 2022/2023

i.           President (1-year term)

ii.          Treasurer (1-year term)

iii.         Secretary (1-year term)

iv.          Vice-President (2-year term)

v.          Directors at large (2) (2-year term)

vi.         Communications director (2-year term)

7. Adjournment

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Lethbridge College’s School of Environmental Sciences program with Shane Roersma
Feb
10
7:00 PM19:00

Lethbridge College’s School of Environmental Sciences program with Shane Roersma

  • Lethbridge Naturalists' Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature Lethbridge continues the winter speaker series in February via zoom. The second presentation will be February 10 when Shane Roersma will explore what is happening at Lethbridge College’s School of Environmental Sciences. We will get a virtual tour of the fishery and wildlife resources currently available in the fish and wildlife labs, as well as the Hubbard collection and some new specimens, and much more! Links will be sent by email to all subscribers.

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Ecosystem Management Presentations (1 of 2)
Mar
11
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (1 of 2)

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

  • Meghan Knapton will speak on “Identifying deer-vehicle collision hotspots in Lethbridge, Alberta.” The objective of this study was to locate deer-vehicle collision hotspots within the city of Lethbridge. The project aimed to determine if deer were being struck by motor vehicles in specific and/or concentrated areas of road within the city of Lethbridge between 2016 and 2019.

  • Conner Blenner-Hassett will speak on “An inventory of the plant species found in four environmental reserve parks of Lethbridge, Alberta.” Using a daubenmire frame (25 cm by 50 cm), he identified the plant species that fell within the frame based on their cover class. For his final results he plans to obtain a species composition of each park based on transects, and include percentages of weeds, increasers, decreasers, and invaders found within plots. The focus is on Cottonwood Park, Popson Park, Botterill Bottom Park, and Indian Battle Park.

  • Kirstin Kveder will speak on “Examination of biases in morning bird surveys and suggestions for improved species richness estimation in central Alberta.” The project objective is to determine biases of morning bird recordings (which primarily focus on songbirds/passerines singing) by finding out which species, genera, and orders were found in morning bird surveys (single 10 minute manual point counts and 10 minute acoustic recordings) and which species were not found, but were detected in a census data set (10 minute acoustic recordings hourly for 72 hours) for three study sites on Nature Conservancy of Canada properties east of Red Deer in central Alberta. The aim is to address the following objectives:

    • 1) Determine the taxonomic biases that the common morning surveys have,

    • 2) Suggest additional sampling hours that would best improve overall species richness measures and reduce these biases.

Each student presentation will be 15-20 minutes followed by question and answer. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with emerging research, methodologies, and interesting findings.

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The 7 Snakes found in Alberta with Ken Moore
Feb
12
7:00 PM19:00

The 7 Snakes found in Alberta with Ken Moore

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join local naturalist and snake-enthusiast Ken Moore for a fascinating talk on the seven snakes found in Alberta! Learn about the interesting lives of snakes and their key identifying characteristics. The prairie rattlesnake and their venom will receive a lot of attention - what are they, what they do, what’s bad about them, and what’s good about them.

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Winter Birds
Dec
7
2:00 PM14:00

Winter Birds

Join Lethbridge Christmas Bird Count Organizer Ken Orich in this engaging presentation about the winter birds of Lethbridge.

Learn some tips on how to identify common species and how you can help with the local 2019 Christmas Bird Count!

Saturday December 7 at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, 2-3pm

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Carnivores and communities: a case study of human-carnivore conflict mitigation in southwestern Alberta
Nov
13
7:00 PM19:00

Carnivores and communities: a case study of human-carnivore conflict mitigation in southwestern Alberta

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Facilitating long-term coexistence between people and large carnivores is a persistent, global conservation challenge. Since 2009, the  Waterton Biosphere Reserve’s Carnivores and Communities Program has been helping rural communities in southwestern Alberta find ways to share the landscape with large carnivores. I will share information about the program, some of the challenges we’ve encountered, and results from our recent program evaluation.

Speaker is Andrea Morehouse a biological consultant working out of the Pincher Creek area.

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Wildlife Connections: Waterton Valley Wildlife Corridors and the Return of the Northern Leopard Frog
Oct
9
7:15 PM19:15

Wildlife Connections: Waterton Valley Wildlife Corridors and the Return of the Northern Leopard Frog

After a 40 year absence, northern leopard frogs have returned to Waterton Lakes National Park. Learn about Parks Canada’s efforts to restore this important amphibian. Also get a glimpse into a wildlife connectivity study focused within the narrowest portion of the Waterton Valley, including an assortment of images captured by remote cameras.

Speaker is Kim Pearson, Ecosystem Scientist and Post-fire Ecology Project Manager for Waterton Lakes National Park.

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Pansies, Prickly Pears, and Pollinators with Lloyd Bennett
Aug
28
7:00 PM19:00

Pansies, Prickly Pears, and Pollinators with Lloyd Bennett

Southern Alberta is home to several hundred kinds of plants which grow in the wild, plus there are many more ornamental and cultivated plants.  These plants come in many different sizes, shapes, and colours, and are found in every possible habitat.  Some of these plants are wind-pollinated, such as grasses, and a few reproduce using spores.  However, the vast majority of our plants rely on pollinators to help them reproduce.  Lloyd Bennett will introduce us to the spectacular variety of southern Alberta plants, and to the equally spectacular variety of insects that act as pollinators.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free program!

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Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 2 of 2)
Apr
10
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 2 of 2)

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

  1. “Mapping green spaces to evaluate wildlife connectivity corridors in Lethbridge, AB” by Anna Klippenstein.

    • The project assessed potential wildlife green spaces within the city of Lethbridge, Alberta. This is the first step of a multi-phase partnership project between Lethbridge College and the City of Lethbridge. The project will work toward understanding wildlife connectivity, wildlife movement, and use of an extensive river coulee system and urban green spaces. Further, the project will aid with the potential enhancement of the system to improve wildlife habitat and movement. Fragmentation of natural landscapes is a result of encroaching urban development. Loss of natural habitat due to urbanization can be detrimental to wildlife. Green spaces and connectivity corridors can help re-establish coexistence between humans and wildlife habitat. Exploration of green spaces within Lethbridge was conducted using the geographical information system (GIS) program ArcMap 10.6. Two-dimensional maps of green spaces and potential wildlife corridors within Lethbridge were created. Understanding where green spaces and connectivity areas are located can help understand where wildlife are entering the city and what areas of the parks and urban habitat they are utilizing. This mapping project provides a sound starting point for the remainder of the partnership project. The mapping will show where known wildlife are most likely to be. It will also indicate that while there are various obstacles for wildlife, Lethbridge does have a park system and urban habitat that, upon study and enhancement, could become a model for urban and wildlife coexistence.

  2. “Swallow exclusion from campground structures in Grasslands National Park’' by Ian Mahon

    • In  response to a human wildlife conflict involving barn swallows nesting in areas regularly used by campground visitors, exclusions were installed on sections of  buildings. These exclusions consisted of bird spikes on top of TENTiks (wall tent-like structures rented as a camping option) and netting over the rafters of a cook shelter. The hope was to encourage swallows to nest in areas that would experience less conflict, decreasing the stress on nesting birds and alleviating impact on park visitors.

  3. “Implications of Habitat Type on Bird Species in an Urban Nature Preserve” by Alysia Kirby

    • The intent of this study is to assess the diversity of bird species within 3 different habitats of a nature preserve to see how species are influenced by urbanization. The study was conducted at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary, AB that is surrounded by human modified landscapes. Indices of bird diversity were carried out through audio-visual point count surveys over 12 days in 3 different habitats of the sanctuary. The data collected will help further advance the conservation of bird species within an urban landscape.

 

Each student presentation will be 15-20 minutes followed by question and answer. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with emerging research, methodologies, and interesting findings.

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Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 1 of 2)
Mar
13
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 1 of 2)

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

  1. “The influence of linear development on elk populations in the Foothills region of Southern Alberta” by Jayme Ladouceur.

    • Elk have commonly resided in the Foothills region of Southern Alberta for many years, maintaining a healthy population prior to the area becoming dominated by agricultural land use and residential properties. The increased rate of linear development southwest of Calgary poses undetermined influences toward local elk population densities and wildlife management. Population densities, the growth of linear development, associated conflicts, and wildlife management strategies implemented in the study area are being observed. The objectives of this study are to determine the effects of linear development on elk population densities. This research may address what types of human caused influences and wildlife management influence populations and behavior

  2. “Urban, rural, agricultural Canada Goose success” by Geoffrey Sage.

    • This study looks into the comparison of Canada Goose nesting success with conspicuous ground nests in urban, rural, and agricultural fringe habitat types. The objective is to judge if urban nesters have higher success rates than rural nesters, causing numbers in urban resident geese to rise faster within the City of Lethbridge than in rural areas.

  3. “The evaluation of barriers and their effects on wildlife movement through urban greenspaces” by Shane Fandrick

    1. As human populations continue to grow, there will be an increasing need for urban development. In cities like Lethbridge, this development will surround the cottonwood forest which is adjacent to the Oldman River. If future development does not include sufficient corridors to allow for wildlife passage, there will be an increase in the number of human-wildlife encounters within the City of Lethbridge. To fully understand the extent of wildlife movement through the city, a barrier model was developed to identify which areas wildlife use to reach the river valley and the alluvial cottonwood forest. The City of Lethbridge was mapped using ArcGIS to create a visual representation of how connected the outside limits of the city are to the Oldman River valley.

Each student presentation will be 15-20 minutes followed by question and answer. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with emerging research, methodologies, and interesting findings.

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Pronghorn Antelope: Nomads of the Prairies
Feb
13
7:00 PM19:00

Pronghorn Antelope: Nomads of the Prairies

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) are an endemic North American species that range from Mexico north into the prairies of Canada.  Join Paul Jones as he discusses some of the anatomical features that make pronghorn unique and why they really are the ‘movers” and shakers of the prairie mammals.  Paul will discuss the daily and seasonal (including annual migration) movement patterns, obstacles they face while on the move, and potential solutions to make the landscape permeable for pronghorn movement.

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MULTISAR
Jan
9
7:00 PM19:00

MULTISAR

Join us for a presentation from MULTISAR (Multiple Species at Risk) to explore Alberta’s priority species at risk, their monitoring program, as well as enhancements done for species at risk in southern Alberta. MULTISAR is an important organization that reflects the efforts of multiple partners working towards conserving Species at Risk through habitat stewardship, while maintaining viable ranching operations in Alberta’s native grasslands. The MULTISAR program gives ranchers and farmers suitable tools to continue this tradition in modern times. To date, this collaboration between agencies and landholders has resulted in the voluntary stewardship of grassland species on over 382,000 acres in southern Alberta.

Speaker Bio: Amanda MacDonald is a biologist focusing on species at risk conservation in southern Alberta.  Possessing a degree in Conservation Biology, much of her career has been spent contributing to research and monitoring projects for numerous species at risk in the province including woodland caribou, grizzly bear, pronghorn and other grassland species.  Amanda is currently employed by the Alberta Conservation Association working on the Pronghorn Movement and Enhancement Project as well as MULTISAR.

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"Living Places, Living Time: What I learned in 13 lunar cycles of Blackfoot Phenology"
Nov
14
7:00 PM19:00

"Living Places, Living Time: What I learned in 13 lunar cycles of Blackfoot Phenology"

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Nathan Binnema as he shares photos and observations of seasonal changes during each lunar cycle through the year from his site in the Edmonton River Valley. This presentation will provide a better understanding of the lunar calendar, the relative synchronicity of the living world, and how we can better live with the land. 

Speaker Bio:

Nathan Binnema grew up, studied, and currently lives and works in Edmonton.  As a child, he enjoyed many camping and hiking holidays to the Rocky Mountains, as well as walks in Kennedale Ravine and other parts of Edmonton's river valley.  With a Bachelor of Science degree with Specialization in Math from the University of Alberta, Nathan worked lawn maintenance to put himself through school.  Now working for a permaculture landscaping company called Spruce Permaculture, Nathan spends a considerable amount of time working outdoors on projects that align much better with his values.  Living carless in a 200 square foot suite in Edmonton, Nathan had the resources to pursue further learning after graduating in 2015.  He had always wanted to learn more about ecology, and when Ryan Heavy Head's Blackfoot Phenology course was being offered on an online platform, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that could not be passed up.

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Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern Alberta
Oct
24
7:00 PM19:00

Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern Alberta

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Kris Kendell, biologist with Alberta Conservation Association, for an informative presentation about the amphibian and reptilian life of southern Alberta. During the presentation you will increase your knowledge of the many unique adaptations and life histories of these fascinating creatures, and what you can do to help conserve them.

Speaker Bio:
For over 20 years, Kris has been dedicated to citizen science, habitat stewardship, inventory, monitoring, translocation and outreach initiatives that relate to amphibians and reptiles. As a longtime naturalist, he feels fortunate to turn something he’s passionate about into a career. In his free time, Kris is particularly interested in creating aquarium biotopes as an aquarium hobbyist, and aspires to expand into fish breeding for conservation to help save some of the most threatened fish species before they sink into extinction.

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Alberta Wilderness Association presents: Our Public Lands - A Treasure to Protect, film screening and discussion
Oct
10
7:00 PM19:00

Alberta Wilderness Association presents: Our Public Lands - A Treasure to Protect, film screening and discussion

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
Our Public Lands - October 10 2018 event poster

Our Public Lands series takes viewers on a journey through the diverse public lands of Alberta. With the help of recognized Albertan public lands experts, the series examines the history of public lands, the challenges they face today, and our responsibility to maintain them into the future.

Public lands are often considered one of the best ideas the west ever had: land that you and I can enjoy that is a wild and undeveloped, provides a safe haven for wildlife, ensures secure landscape for headwaters, and much more. Public lands make up the majority of land that is not privately owned – about 60% of Alberta. This includes parks and protected areas, Alberta’s forests and mountains, and a large portion of the grasslands and foothills of southern Alberta. 

Join us on Wednesday October 10 for a film discussion and screening with Nick Pink of the Alberta Wilderness Association. Bring a friend! Please consider making a donation to the Alberta Wilderness Association in order to help them with their mission! 

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"Wings over Canada" with Ian Wilson & Jacinthe Lavoie
Jun
13
7:00 PM19:00

"Wings over Canada" with Ian Wilson & Jacinthe Lavoie

Join authors and photographers Ian Wilson and Jacinthe Lavoie as they share their “travelogue with wings” and explore Canada one bird at a time, from shorebirds to songbirds, and raptors to waterfowl.

This colourful 45-minute presentation is a mix of vivid images and entertaining stories ... from watching the intricate mating ritual of cranes, to cedar waxwings feeding a nest of young birds, and pelicans diving for fish.  

After the presentation Ian and Jacinthe welcome questions about photography and the birds they have met along the way.

Speaker Bios:

  • Ian Wilson
    • Ian Wilson has spent many years exploring and photographing northern Canada. His photographs have appeared in many books and magazine across the country. His most recent books are Waterton Wild, Wildflowers of Banff Park, and Wildflowers of Waterton Park.
    • Ian has also written five bestselling outdoor adventure books. He is now pursuing his passion of photographing nature, and sharing his knowledge with others at photography workshops in Waterton and Banff Parks.
    • When he’s not wandering in the mountains, Ian lives in Canmore, Alberta.
  • Jacinthe Lavoie
    • Jacinthe Lavoie has been interested in wild creatures since her childhood. With training as a researcher, she has observed and enjoyed nature through each season. Her most recent books are Waterton Wild, Wildflowers of Banff Park, and Wildflowers of Waterton Park.
    • Jacinthe has also written twelve educational books. She is now fulfilling her dream of learning more about the outdoor world, and sharing her knowledge with others at nature workshops in Waterton and Banff Parks.
    • During the seasons when snow blankets the ground, Jacinthe lives in Canmore, Alberta.

Ian and Jacinthe are authors of three books that feature the wildlife, wildflowers, and scenery of Banff and Waterton Parks:

Find out more about Ian and Jacinthe at their website: http://wildflowersofbanff.com/ 

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Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 2 of 2)
Apr
11
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 2 of 2)

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

  1. "A GIS-based HSI Model for Beaver (Castor canadensis) in the Castle Parks" by Emma Larocque
    • Abstract:

      Research continues to demonstrate that beaver can be an effectual and low cost tool for restoration and mitigation. However, there needs to be a better understanding of beaver habitat and occupation within Alberta before beaver can be used as an effective tool. The purpose of this research project was to create a Habitat Suitability Index to improve our understanding of potential beaver habitat within the Castle parks.

    • Biography:

      Emma LaRocque grew up on a ranch just outside of Waterton Lakes National Park and continues to spend most of her free time there. Watching the interactions between the land, livestock, and wildlife cultivated a deep appreciation for the natural world and a thirst for knowledge. Following her graduation from the Ecosystem Management degree program at Lethbridge College, Emma is looking forward to working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada as the Southern Foothills Natural Area Manager.

  2. "Comparing Sightability of Pronghorns Using Ground-Based and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Surveys" by Loren Seitz
    • Abstract

      Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly useful for wildlife research. UAVs are useful tools that are cost-effective, efficient, safe, and allow access to areas that are difficult to reach by foot or vehicle. UAVs have been used to observe large terrestrial mammals, aquatic wildlife, and birds. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an UAV for pronghorn surveys within southeastern Alberta using a DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter in conjunction with a Zenmuse Z3 zoom camera. The study compares sightability of pronghorn populations using ground-based and UAV-based surveys while expanding upon existing knowledge on the effectiveness of UAVs for wildlife surveys.

    • Biography:

      I was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta where I developed a passion for nature and wildlife under the influence of my parents. I have been working with Alberta Environment and Parks with the Aquatic Invasive Species Program for the past three summers. During my time at school, I have developed a passion for drones and have been fascinated with their endless applications for wildlife research. I will be graduating this spring and I plan on doing some travelling before I begin my master’s degree. My goal is to apply my passion for wildlife and drones to a research project that will expand current knowledge on the use of drones for wildlife research applications.

  3. "Factors Influencing the Geographic Shift in Location of Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) Lekking Grounds." by Vincent Capuano
    • Abstract

      As habitat loss and fragmentation are growing concerns within the native prairie grassland, information regarding its impact on local species is beneficial to the conservation of these species, such as sharp-tailed grouse. Five sharp-tailed grouse lek sites within, and seven leks outside of, the Twin River Heritage Rangeland Natural Area, located west of Warner, Alberta, were assessed using on site survey data, supplemented with annual survey data provided by Alberta Environment & Parks.  Leks were located utilizing historical GPS coordinates provided by Alberta Environment & Parks, as well as auditory and visual cues. Once located, a count of active birds at each site was recorded and compared to that of the Alberta Environment & Parks datasets. With an average of ~10 more birds attending leks within the natural area, and the overall populations of these leks remaining fairly stable, it can be concluded that the Twin River Heritage Rangeland Natural Area offers better habitat selection for sharp-tail populations than the increasingly cultivated surrounding areas. The objective of this study is to help determine population trends of sharp-tail grouse lekking habitat on protected land verses habitat located on an unprotected landscape. In determining these trends, it may lead to the conservation of important sharp-tailed grouse lekking habitat that may not currently be protected; as well as, provide beneficial information regarding sharp-tail grouse population trends within these habitats.

    • Biography

      Growing up in the mountains of British Columbia, Vince spent most of his childhood hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. Having an interest in wildlife from a very young age, Vince has always wanted work with different animals. Completing his degree in ecosystem management is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a wildlife biologist and studying unique wildlife from around the world.

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. 

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Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 1 of 2)
Mar
14
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part 1 of 2)

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.

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Plants at Alberta's Springs: Who's there and why?
Feb
21
7:00 PM19:00

Plants at Alberta's Springs: Who's there and why?

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Kayleigh Nielson as we explore non-native plant occurrence and human disturbance at freshwater springs in Alberta! 

Abstract (description): Freshwater springs in southern Alberta form resource-rich ecosystems that support highly biodiverse plant communities. The plant communities found at these springs often include both native and non-native species. Because of the risks associated with the invasion of non-native plants, understanding the factors that affect the occurrence of these species is important in order to protect biodiversity at these springs. In this talk, we will explore which plant species are commonly found at springs in southern Alberta, as well as some of the environmental factors that may promote the growth and establishment both native and non-native plants within these ecosystems.

Bio: Kayleigh Nielson, M.Sc. (’18) is a research associate at the University of Lethbridge in the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building’s riparian ecology lab. She completed her B.Sc. (Hons) in Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge in 2014, having worked on several independent research projects, including an Honours Thesis on plant physiology and oil spills. Kayleigh successfully defended her Masters research in December 2017, which investigated the effects of human disturbance and the physical environment on non-native plant occurrence at springs in southern Alberta. In addition to her research interests, Kayleigh is an avid naturalist and outdoorsperson who enjoys sharing her knowledge about Lethbridge’s local ecology through her work and volunteerism, especially through the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

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Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley - documentary screening
Jan
18
7:00 PM19:00

Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley - documentary screening

Due to popular demand we are proud to host a second screening of the new documentary "Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley" on Thursday January 18, 2018 starting at 7pm.

‘Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley’ is a full length wildlife documentary that was shot in the Oldman River valley by local wildlife photographer and filmmaker Rick Andrews. Capturing the area’s wildlife in each of the four seasons, this film also includes both underwater and night footage that collectively provide unique sights that even frequent visitors to this river valley may not have seen before.

Species such as Mule and White-tailed Deer, American Beavers, Coyotes, American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, nesting Great Horned Owlsand reptiles such as Prairie Rattlesnakes and Bull Snakes are all included, along with underwater sequences featuring Wandering Garter Snakes fishing and Western Painted Turtles swimming. 

The film is 43 minutes in length and shot entirely within the City of Lethbridge corporate boundaries in high definition (HD).

Be sure to check out Rick Andrew's website to get inspired for this wonderful film premiere:
http://www.rickandrewsphotography.com/ 

Avoid disappointment, reserve your seat for a $5 donation by calling 403-320-3064 - only 85 seats available! Donations support nature interpretation in Lethbridge.

 

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Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley
Jan
10
7:00 PM19:00

Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Members of Lethbridge Naturalists' Society and the Friends of Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society are proud to host a screening of the new documentary "Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley" on Wednesday January 10, 2018 starting at 7pm.

This full length wildlife documentary was shot in the Oldman River valley by local wildlife photographer and filmmaker Rick Andrews. Capturing the areas wildlife in each of the four seasons, this film also includes both underwater and night footage that collectively provide unique sights that even frequent visitors to this river valley may not have seen before.

The film was shot in high definition over four seasons in various locations within the City of Lethbridge.  

Film length: 43 minutes

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Chinook Country - A Continental Convergence of Cottonwoods
Nov
8
7:00 PM19:00

Chinook Country - A Continental Convergence of Cottonwoods

  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Dr. Stewart Rood as we explore the unique cottonwood forest system found in Lethbridge's river valley! 

About Dr. Stewart Rood

Following training at the universities of Alberta, Calgary and Toronto, and fellowships in Bristol, UK, and Tromso, Norway, Stewart Rood has been a faculty member at the University of Lethbridge for three decades, and has been a Killam Research Fellow and the Board of Governors Research Chair in Environmental Science.  His studies investigate the impacts of river damming, flow regulation and climate change on river ecosystems and floodplain forests, with an emphasis on conservation and restoration of riparian cottonwoods.  He has served as an environmental consultant to agencies across western North America that build and operate dams, working towards developing river regimes that promote socioeconomic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Please note:

  • Annual General Meeting will take place from 7:00-7:30pm 
  • Guest speaker will begin at 7:30pm sharp 
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Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part II)
Apr
12
7:00 PM19:00

Ecosystem Management Presentations (Part II)

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

1) Michael Kelly – The Influence of Design on the Internal Temperatures of Bat Houses. This study seeks to determine how bat house design, specifically number and arrangement of chambers, influences internal temperatures of the houses. Three bat house designs are compared for temperature suitability.

2) Paden Lennie – Evaluating the Influence of Thaw Degree Days on Annual Raptor Productivity on the Hershel Island Yukon Territorial Park and the Implications for any Future Management Plans. Warming temperatures in the Arctic have led to some major changes affecting the timing of ecological processes. Using Hershel Island in the Yukon as the study site, this project addresses how these climate-related changes may be impacting raptor productivity.

3) Kate Kent – Correlation between Avian Point Counts and Monitoring Birds by Banding. The primary objective of this project is to compare two sampling methodologies and determine the correlation between avian point counts and Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (M.A.P.S.). The project hopes to find that point counts provide an effective method for determining numbers and variation in numbers of bird species in and area.

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

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