Drs. Jane Waterman and Jim Roth, Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba
Play behaviour is common in young mammals in good condition, but adult play is rarely observed, especially in mammals that are fasting. Polar bears in northern Manitoba spend several months on land fasting while Hudson Bay is free of ice, and during this time adult male polar bears frequently play.
Frank Baldwin, Game Bird Manager Wildlife Branch, Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship
Beginning in the mid-1990’s, waterfowl biologists became increasingly alarmed at the persistent and rapid growth of the mid-continent population of Lesser Snow Geese. This species nests in sub-arctic and arctic regions of Canada, migrates through the prairies, and winters in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Amanda Karst, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
Canada's Aboriginal peoples have deep botanical and ecological knowledge that they have gained over thousands of years of using the Boreal Forest as grocery, pharmacy, school, and spiritual centre.
Dr. Vince Crichton, retired Manager of Game, Fur and Problem Wildlife, Manitoba Conservation
Moose have played a significant role in Manitoba’s history from a cultural, social and economic perspective. However, beginning in the early to mid 1990s, the provincial population (excluding Riding Mountain National Park) has dropped significantly to what is now the lowest overall population since the early 1980s.
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.
