[BNS_members] March, 2022-Newsletter from the Blomidon Naturalists Society

Sun Mar 6 14:51:57 CST 2022

Here's what's happening this month

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March 2022 Newsletter
BNS members on a winter snowshoe field trip, Forest Hill. Photo: Caroline Beddoe.
President's Message
Soren Bondrup-Nielsen

It is often argued that we should live in the moment for true happiness, not thinking about the past or the future. The birds at my feeder live in the moment and are not concerned with climate change, habitat loss and extinction. Nor are they stressed out after more than two years of a global pandemic due to Covid-19, or truckers who occupied Ottawa for weeks with the ultimate aim of dismantling our democratic system, or Putin's invasion of Ukraine. For me, these events, are overwhelming and living in the moment, unconcerned, is not an option.

We humans are ultimately responsible for the tragic events. On reflection, I wonder if our environmental and social problems are not, to a high degree, a result of western male domination? There was a professor of endocrinology at the University of Oslo, Norway, when I was there, whose motto was “Testosterone is the root of all evil.”

In mammals, males show heightened aggression compared to females. For species where females bear several young such as mice and voles, females next to males in the uterus are exposed to testosterone from the males and these females are significantly more aggressive and dominant than females not exposed to testosterone. So, I feel the Norwegian professor was on to something.

I am just reading Meg Lowman's The Arbornaut. Meg’s book is a fascinating account of her journey discovering what she calls the eighth continent - the canopies of the forests of the world. Here, she discovered a vast array of species and unknown ecosystems.

Last year I read Suzanne Simard's Finding the Mother Tree. In this book, Suzanne describes her discovery of the vast mycorrhizal network of fungal threads linking the trees through which energy and information are shared.

Meg and Suzanne, two pioneer women, discovered the amazing opposite end of trees; realms that no male scientist had considered. Mainly male scientists had studied trees, that is, the trunks of trees, primarily to understand growth rates, wood quality, spacing and volume per hectare. Why? So that we can cut the trees down to make money.

I discovered the wisdom of women when I was doing my PhD. I was interested in the social structure of voles, small rodents of forests and grasslands. In North America, I found that nearly all vole ecologists were male, and they studied the ecology of males, fundamentally disregarding the females. In Poland and Russia, vole ecologists were female, and they primarily studied the females. They argued that in mammals, the males impregnate the females and subsequently have nothing to do with reproduction. I followed the Polish/Russian model and discovered that females are the key to understanding vole ecology.

Although we in the west lament the fact that the Taliban in Afghanistan tries to prevent girls and women from being educated, our western society is still biased towards the testosterone dominated sex. Decisions are largely made by men with little if any input from others. We men have to recognize that women have an essential, if not more relevant role, in how we humans must live within nature, nourish the source of our existence.

For too long, we have let the males of the human species drive the bus with their need for speed, dominance, and ego; they have been largely responsible for the decisions that have landed us in the mess we are in. I genuinely feel that decisions that impact our society must be made with equitable and open input from all, including women, who understand the delicate nurturing required to get humans on a track where nature matters. After all, nature is our mother and needs to be cherished and respected.

** UPCOMING EVENTS
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Webinar: Chimney Swifts in Atlantic Canada

We are excited to have Rielle Hoeg, Aerial Insectivore Program Technician with Birds Canada give a webinar on Chimney Swifts on Thursday March 10th at 7:30 pm online on Zoom!

Rielle will share information about Chimney Swift life history, threats to Chimney Swifts and other aerial insectivores, Maritimes SwiftWatch and the Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program, and data summaries and trends from Atlantic Canada. In addition, they will discuss roost trends at the Robie Tufts Nature Centre in Wolfville. In this webinar, Rielle will also offer ways for citizens to be involved in monitoring and conserving this amazing species.

A great way to learn more and learn how to help! Register for the Zoom here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=62a9eb54ac&e=b24cf58224)
Monthly Meeting: Lichens of Nova Scotia - Diversity, Conservation & Research

Our next meeting is Monday March 21st, at 7:30 pm on Zoom. Out presenter this month is Dr. Sean R. Haughian, interdisciplinary ecologist and Curator of Botany, Nova Scotia Museum. Register here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=df206c0375&e=b24cf58224)

Nova Scotia boasts particularly rich and abundant lichen flora, because of its perhumid temperate climate and unique ecosystems. But have you ever stopped to wonder how lichens are doing? In this talk, Dr. Haughian offers a unique and audience-friendly window into the world of lichens and lichen research in Nova Scotia. He will provide an overview of the biology and classification of lichens, and discuss some of the conservation issues surrounding lichens. In addition, he will share some of his results from lichen studies over the last three years, including the large-scale L-ACER experiment that examines clearcut edge influence and acid pollution impacts on swamp lichen communities, and his more recent exploration of the canopy lichen communities of old growth forests.

For those following updates from the Forest Protectors down at the Camp Last Hope in Beals Brook, Annapolis County, where three rare lichens were found, understanding lichens, their trends, and their ecological significance may be on the forefront of our minds.
Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=f6dc3bd58f&e=b24cf58224)
Boreal felt lichen in Halifax County. Photo: Robert Cameron.
Flying Squirrel Adventures: Diverse Programs to Connect with Nature!

Flying Squirrel Adventures have been hosting various winter nature programming for diverse audiences, including Nature for Newcomers (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=dc8ffb434b&e=b24cf58224) winter skills outings, queer/trans friendly winter hikes, and a girls outdoor adventure and leadership program!

Upcoming events include a Nature for Newcomers trip to the Maple Sugar Farm on March 12th (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=e6f3602790&e=b24cf58224) , and weekly Queer/Trans Friendly nature hikes every Saturday (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=9f0b5a1c34&e=b24cf58224) (until April) in Wolfville from 2-4pm. Click on the links for more details, to share with others, and to find registration information.

There are upcoming spring plans too! FSA plans to partner with Kids Action Program in March for some March Break Nature Days and a weekly after school nature play program operating out of the fabulous Valley Community Learning Association Community Hub on Oakdene Avenue.

See all the information on their webpage here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=ddf7e24a8c&e=b24cf58224)
Exciting Courses Coming this Year!

We are excited to let you know that on the horizon for the spring, summer and fall are 5 courses to be hosted up at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, led by various BNS members and local naturalists and scientists. We are excited to offer Beginner Birding, Advanced Birding by Ear, Wildflowers of Nova Scotia, Ecology of the Acadian Forest, and Fun with Fungi.

Stay tuned for more information!
Red-breasted Nuthatch. Photo: Lucas Berrigan.

** Our Website!
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You can find our 2022 calendar of activities and events on our website. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=3dbb9e17c6&e=b24cf58224) It is updated throughout the months with new presentations, field trips, courses, and more!
You can also find lots of informative articles, past newsletters and archives, photos, and past presentations (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=55f7bc09db&e=b24cf58224) (this page is in progress).

** BUTTERFLYWAY PROJECT
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Already Starting Seeds? Please Start a Few Extra for the Butterflyway Project!

As spring approaches, many of us are starting to think about gardens. Are you already stratifying and starting some flower seeds? If so, you can support the Butterflyway Project in our mission to plant public pollinator-friendly gardens with native plants across Kings County! If you have space, simply start a few extra (or perhaps you have a few extra already started?) pollinator-friendly wildflowers, preferably native, and donate some transplants to the Butterflyway Project and/or plant some in your yard too to support our local pollinators! See some good lists of native pollinator plants here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b207acb51c&e=b24cf58224) and here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=55cc5de24c&e=b24cf58224) , and the Pollinator Partnership Canada (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=03685af8a2&e=b24cf58224) also has some good information. We appreciate your support.

Any queries about the Project and ways to help can be directed to pollinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca. You can also find more info and resources by clicking on the button down below. Thanks!

Butterflyway Project Information & Resources (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=1181ea7452&e=b24cf58224)

Photos: Purple coneflower; starting seeds (Caroline Beddoe).

** GET INVOLVED
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Kings County Museum Community Project
Here is an exciting opportunity to share your natural history and environmental knowledge and insights, and contribute to a community project about our local landscape! The Kings County Museum (in Kentville) has received funding to create a community room within their building, to be used for live programming and to host informative wall panels addressing the central questions: "who and what is Kings County?" As part of this, they would like to engage BNS members to help develop a series of panels about the environment and nature of Kings County.

The museum is seeking a wide range of experiences and ideas, so contribute anything you would like! Share your insights on the ecology, on the environmental challenges we face, on how the landscape shapes our lives, and what needs to be done to protect our ecosystems... and more!

BNS welcome are welcomed to share their natural history insights, knowledge, photos and more! Fill out the survey here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b8e9d3aa8f&e=b24cf58224) or contact Ellen (collections at kingscountymuseum.ca (mailto:collections at kingscountymuseum.ca) ) at the Kings County Museum if you would like to share photos or get more involved with this collaborative process.
Share Your Insights on Kings County, its Ecology, its Environmental Challenges & How Living Here Shapes our Lives (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=5289e104a5&e=b24cf58224)

** IN THE NEWS
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IPCC Climate Change 2022 Report

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released a new report on February 28: "Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability." (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=17a87896a7&e=b24cf58224) It is pretty bleak. Everywhere in the world is affected from the impacts of climate breakdown including rising temperatures and extreme weather events, though many communities are more vulnerable and do not have adequate adaptation plans or resources. So many people and areas have already been affected, species die-offs are happening, and more severe impacts are to come. The report re-iterates that 1.5 degrees celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels is the limit beyond which the climate crisis impacts accelerate and are irreversible. The report notes the need for increased resources allocated to adaptation and resilience.

This report shows us that the window to act is getting smaller, but it is still there! The BNS is moving towards ways to support community climate action and we believe in a connection to nature as a key part in addressing this crisis. We will continue to be vocal on climate change and environmental crises in this province.

A Guardian summary of the IPCC report can be foundhere. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=760014a960&e=b24cf58224)
Localized Climate Projections

The Nova Scotia Environmental Network (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=aa299b7adb&e=b24cf58224) hosted a webinar recently on localized climate projections for Nova Scotia, with Climate Services Specialist for the province of Nova Scotia, Alex Cadel (from CLIMAtlantic (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=4b7e1ffa69&e=b24cf58224) ).

Alex touched on temperature increases, precipitation changes, extreme storms, sea level rise, and changing oceans. The implications for our ecosystems are significant, and this data is valuable to understand to help plan for adaptation and mitigation.

Watch the webinar here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=58f12402d5&e=b24cf58224)
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Land & Sea Network: Otter Pond Demonstration Forest

The Otter Pond Demonstration Forest, in Mooseland NS, was featured on a CBC Land & Sea episode. You can watch the episode on CBC Gem here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bf9e159ce6&e=b24cf58224)

Otter Ponds is a working, harvested forest that also preserves Acadian forest and is a place for education and research. As stated on their website (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=ba65cfe96b&e=b24cf58224) : "Operated as a division of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association, the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest (OPDF) in Mooseland is a place for all Nova Scotians to learn about forest ecology and the sustainable management of our native Acadian Forest."

You may enjoy the interesting episode!
Photo courtesy of the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest website: https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b9b693f3d4&e=b24cf58224
Yes, We Can!
NS Birders get major car company to change their commercial

A car commercial for Kia that recently ran afoul of Nova Scotia birders has been changed to reflect people's concerns.  The recent ad showed a Kia Sorento in pursuit of a computer-generated snowy owl. Alarmed by the imagery, the Nova Scotia Bird Society asked Kia to change it.  See what happened here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=79e9bd8182&e=b24cf58224) .

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** Is the night sky part of our natural environment?
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Astronomers around the world are concerned about a handful of commercial companies — chiefly SpaceX — proposing to flood low-Earth orbit with tens of thousands of these satellites, with the potential to far exceed that. There's also the risk of satellites crashing into one another and adding to the thousands of pieces of space junk already in orbit.

All this, astronomers say, is a threat to the preservation of our night sky.  A 2018 study found that the Milky Way is hidden from roughly one-third of humanity, including 80 per cent of North Americans.  Link to CBC's article detailing the issues. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=66325b87c6&e=b24cf58224)

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** Flowers are changing colour in response to climate change
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To adapt to climate change, some flowers are darkening their hue to protect themselves from the sun’s radiation, new research shows.  Around the globe, plant and animal species have tweaked their reproductive strategies, shifted their home ranges, and altered their appearance as they quickly adapt to the effects of climate change—and flowers are no exception.  For more info, see this article (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=3261350c44&e=b24cf58224) from the Smithsonian Magazine.

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We acknowledge that we live in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which did not entail the surrender of lands and resources, but recognized Mi’kmaq title. We want to recognize that outdoor education and play would not be possible without access to the natural world that has been stewarded since time immemorial by the many Indigenous peoples of this land. We acknowledge that we have a responsibility to honour and learn about their histories and current cultures and to actively work in support of reconciliation. We are committed to fostering respectful and sustainable relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of this land, with all other organisms, with the land and with the water.
Renew or Join Membership (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=25cef3b851&e=b24cf58224)
If you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to forward it to someone you think might also appreciate it.

If you would like to submit content and notices for the next e-newsletter, please email newsletter at blomidonnaturalists.ca. Thank you!

As a non-profit, the Blomidon Naturalists Society relies on the tireless effort of our volunteers and the support of individuals such as yourself. If you are able, we ask that you might consider donating to further enable this work.
Donate Now (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=0e208d29b8&e=b24cf58224)
Donate Monthly (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=2dc47fe6a4&e=b24cf58224)

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