Winnipeg, MB - The Friends of the Living Prairie Museum Winter Speaker Series is set to begin January 15, 2019, and will take place from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. every other Tuesday. An interesting lineup of speakers will present information about their fascinating work.
Registration to attend the sessions begins on January 2, 2019. Friends of the Living Prairie Museum members may register in advance for all dates. Non-members may register two weeks before the event. Space is limited, so please call the museum to save your seats.
To become a member, see: friendsoflivingprairie.org
Admission is free; however, donations are welcome.
Winter Speaker Series details:
January 15 – Rarest of the Rare: Manitoba’s Endangered Plants
Dr. Diana Bizecki Robson – Curator of Botany, Manitoba Museum
The term endangered species conjures up images of majestic mammals and colourful orchids in remote places of the world. But Manitoba also has rare species, although they are not always what you would expect. Dr. Bizecki Robson will talk about her years studying the rarest plants of Manitoba. Her research on the pollinators of the rare Western Silvery Aster and Hairy Prairie-clover plants will be highlighted as well as her recent documentation of a new species of Canadian water-lily. You will come away with a new appreciation of the plant world and the intricate ties that bind species together.
January 29 – Discovering the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail
Peggy Bainard Acheson and Richard Reeves – Debwendon Inc.
The Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail was officially opened in June 2016. A joint project of the Manitoba Government and Debwendon Inc., this calcareous fen is rich with rare flora and fauna and is of great significance to the local Ojibway people. A local treasure, it is hoped that all Manitobans will venture out and discover this stunning and accessible trail and boardwalk.
February 12 – Living with White-tailed Deer
Kevin Land – City of Winnipeg, Naturalist Services Branch
Winnipeg’s large white-tailed deer population is both loved and loathed by the city’s human residents. Learn more about the biology and behaviour of white-tailed deer and how to avoid coming into conflict with these urban ungulates.
February 26 – Up Close and Personal with Owls and Owl Research in Manitoba
Dr. Jim Duncan – Discover Owls
Come out and get up close and personal with owls and learn about Manitoba’s legacy of owl research with biologist and world owl expert Jim Duncan. Using a variety of media, personal owl impressions, owl parts, and one of Jim’s live owl sidekicks, Jim will introduce you to the mysterious lives of these largely nocturnal creatures. Bring your camera or video camera and try to capture a live owl flying over your head. The honorarium from Living Prairie Museum for this presentation goes to support owl conservation and research in Manitoba.
March 12 – Discovering Mushrooms
Donna Rae Kurt – WILDS of Manitoba
Donna Kurt has been studying mushrooms and ethnobotany at the University of Winnipeg, while also participating in and leading canoeing and nature trips for various organizations over the last 30 years. In addition to mushroom identification and photographs, Donna shares medicinal, culinary, and other aspects of various fungi found in our area.
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