Dr. Bill Preston, Retired Curator of Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes at the Manitoba Museum
This presentation will include some of the more interesting aspects of about 60 ant species found in Manitoba as well as in other areas. Ant biology and ant behaviour will be included, as well as methods of ant study.
Dr. David Punter, Retired Professor of Botany at the University of Manitoba
Morels are the mushrooms that appear in the spring while most other fungi can be found in late August and September. Participants in this workshop will begin learning to identify mushrooms in time for the morel season. A field trip will be offered in the late summer.
Richard Staniforth, Retired Professor of Botany at the University of Winnipeg
A workshop to sort out the differences between Manitoba tree species in the winter. Specimens are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own twigs, too. We will include all of the native species of conifer and hardwood trees, and also some of the more common planted exotics, as time permits. Regrettably, Manitoba shrubs are too numerous to include in this workshop.
Jennifer West, Astronomy Instructor at the University of Manitoba
In this workshop, I will present an overview of the kinds of objects that make up our universe: asteroids, planets, stars, galaxies and beyond. I will also try to give participants a sense of the enormous distances involved. The scale of our universe is truly mind-boggling!
Kim Monson, Geography Department at the University of Winnipeg
Ever look down when you’re out walking and wonder, “What is that rock, where did it come from, how did it get there???” If you have, this workshop is for you. With the aid of rock and mineral specimens, maps and test kits, you will learn how to identify many of Manitoba’s common rocks and minerals. Bring your favourite rock or mineral along and figure out what it is.
The great thing about growing perennial plants is that they come back year after year in the garden. The main disadvantage of perennials is that the blooming periods are restricted to only part of the gardening season and can vary from as little as one week to several months. The challenge, then, is to select a combination of perennials that will bloom at different times throughout the season creating a progression of different flowers.
Do you enjoy watching birds, but think identification of sparrows (“little brown jobs”) is for someone else? Come and learn to be that someone! Ward will help you sort out the important field marks for successful identification.
Approximately 14% of the world’s bird species are considered globally threatened and another 8% are listed as “near-threatened”. This talk will attempt to summarize global patterns of endangerment, discuss international vs national/regional criteria for “red-listing” species, examine various threat types and which birds are most vulnerable to them, and try to engage you in a conversation about conservation on a continental, hemispheric and global scale.
Ted McLachlan, Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Manitoba
Ted’s presentation will explore how we can rethink our home environment to create a landscape of seasonal mystery, intrigue and delight. We can make nature accessible, whether standing at the kitchen sink or playing in the sandbox.
Come and experience some of the more common sights and sounds of our returning "feathered friends". We will view pictures taken from birding software programs, listen to tapes and discuss ways to identify birds in the field.
Dr. David Punter, retired Professor of Botany at the University of Manitoba
Morels are the mushrooms that appear in the spring while most other fungi can be found in late August and September. Participants in this workshop will begin learning to identify mushrooms in time for the morel season. A field trip will be offered in the late summer.
