Submitted by Robert Bott
Biological Diversity in the Co-op
7 p.m. Friday, June 1 (meet by the office)
Walk-around followed by discussion with Katrina Jansen, biologist at Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Katrina runs the Education and Volunteer programs at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation. She has received a BSc. in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta, along with a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Toronto. Katrina has been involved with conservation in a wide variety of ways over the past 9 years, including working as an environmental educator and as an endangered species biologist. At AIWC, Katrina focuses on increasing public knowledge and interest in a wide variety of Alberta wildlife, including bats, owls, and her personal favourite, skunks! She hopes that better understanding of these and other animals will lead people to better protect their local wildlife species. https://www.aiwc.ca/
The Grounds Committee invited her to help us answer questions raised recently about wildlife in the co-op – specifically the erection of two merlin-kestrel boxes (which have so far not been occupied).
A walk-around will be followed by a discussion in the common area (or office if it rains). Short introductory remarks, then Q and A. Here is s a preliminary listof questions:
· Are the boxes properly located?
· How would it affect our other bird populations if the boxes are occupied by merlins or kestrels?
· What attracts magpies to 837-839 (and possibly other areas), and what can be done to discourage them?
· Based on our location in the valley beside the bluff, what species would be most beneficial ecologically? How can they be attracted?
· What species have negative effects? How can they be discouraged?
· Any comments on the bat and bee boxes we’ve been putting up?
· Any comments on cats?