Coming Up...  Casselholme at 7:00 pm

February 14, 2012

Topic: Ontario ’s Reptile and Amphibian Species at Risk
Speaker: Joe Crowley – MNR Peterborough  

The presentation will provide an introduction to Ontario ’s species at risk reptiles and amphibians, the unique biology and ecology of these species, the threats that have caused their decline and conservation activities that can contribute to their recovery. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas will be highlighted as an example of a conservation solution that anyone can contribute to. He will also provide an overview of the Ontario Endangered Species Act and how it is contributing to the protection and recovery of Ontario ’s species at risk reptiles and amphibians.

Bio: Joe Crowley is the Herpetology Species at Risk Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Joe completed a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Biology in 2003 at Nipissing University and an M.Sc. in Zoology in 2006 at the University of Guelph . His M.Sc. research focused on reptile distribution and decline in Ontario . Joe has worked on a variety of wildlife research projects throughout Ontario and also has extensive field experience with Ontario ’s reptiles and amphibians. He coordinated a “Reptiles at risk” field study and the new Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas program at Ontario Nature. Joe develops an annual fundraising calendar for reptile and amphibian charities and NGOs and is an advisory member on the Ontario Multi-Species Turtles at Risk Recovery Team and the national Massasauga Recovery Team.

March 13, 2012

Topic: Black Ash in the Nipissing Area
Speaker: Elisha Townsend - Undergraduate student at Nipissing U 

April 10, 2012

Topic: Current issues with insects and diseases in North Bay 's forests
Speaker: Johanne Horne - Forest health technical specialist

Johanne Horne spent her childhood in Kapuskasing Ontario , a community driven by the forestry industry and where outdoor activities and play are part of the culture. Fostering her interests in the ecology she attended Lakehead University and graduated with an Honours Bachelor Degree of Environmental Studies/Forest Conservation. She has worked across Ontario in several roles relating to the natural environment. As a member of the Provincial Forest Health Monitoring team she combines her passion of working in the forest and with people, by monitoring factors affecting forest health, and through extension activities. 

Tree species diversity in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest Region comes with a diversity of native and non-native insects and diseases affecting North Bay ’s forest. Annual surveys conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources monitor the severity and degree of disturbance within the forest by these biotic factors. The Provincial Forest Health Monitoring Program and current issues with insect and diseases in North Bay Forests will be discussed.