Wild About Wildlife Information Sessions

Born to BEE Wild

Master organic gardener, Dale Ford and Abi Henneberry, a Kindergarten teacher at Lois E. Hole Elementary School, shared tips on how to identify native pollinators, explored ways that we can support them and how we can educate others about the important role they play in our ecosystem. Dale and Abi also discussed opportunities to engage youth in native pollinator conservation efforts as they become future stewards of our environment.

Living With Beavers

Riparian Specialist Kerri O’Shaughnessy talks about one of Canada’s most iconic animals, the beaver. Known to inhabit lakes and streams across the country and in our own backyard, beavers are a keystone species in our landscape and play an important role in our natural environment.

From creating their own dams, storing and cleaning water, providing fish habitat, and helping regenerate willow and poplar forests, beavers can be uniquely beneficial on the landscape. Human-beaver coexistence, measures to prevent conflict and how beavers can benefit humans through periods of drought was also discussed.

Understanding Coyotes

Have you ever wondered why coyotes behave the way they do, or how you can prevent them from coming into your yard?

In this session Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair, a coyote expert from the University of Alberta, delves into the following topics: 

• Coyote biology and life cycle 
• Denning habits 
• Coyote proofing your property (urban and rural) 
• Coyote safety and common misconceptions 
• Predation of livestock and pets 

Preventing Property Damage

Presenter and animal control specialist Bill Abercrombie, shares tips to manage wildlife on private property and best practices for reducing human-wildlife conflict.  

In this session, Bill speaks about the following topics:   

• Pest species (raccoons, squirrels, skunks, porcupines and rodents)  
• Ungulates (moose and deer)  
• Foxes and badgers 

Fish and Wildlife was also online to answer questions about provincial involvement with wildlife.  

Let's Flock About Birds

Migratory bird season is from mid-April  to August 31 and various species like songbirds, hawks, falcons, and waterfowl are returning to nearby areas for breeding. Nests can be found in trees, grass, or shrubs, and vegetation should not be disturbed until it is confirmed there are no nests present. Migratory birds enrich our lives and ecosystems in countless ways, so it is crucial to recognize the vital role these feathered travelers play in our environment.

Paul Grégoire, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Canadian Wildlife Services, discussed Migratory Birds in Canada, the role of Canadian Wildlife Services, the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations and shared advice on how to avoid harm to birds. 

Learn more by visiting the following links:

• Avoiding Harm to Migratory Birds
• Frequently Asked Questions: Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022