Biodiversity Days 2023: Urban Biodiversity Action: A Research Showcase

Event: Urban Biodiversity Action: A Student-Led Research Showcase

Date: Friday, May 5th 2023

Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm (See below for a detailed event agenda)

Location: UBC, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), BC Hydro Theatre

Cost: Free

Description: Join the SEEDS Sustainability Program and UBC Botanical Garden for an inspiring and informative event showcasing student-led biodiversity research collaborations and innovative recommendations for a nature-positive campus. Learn about campus ecosystems, local and global biodiversity policy, and student-led research on key topics from climate-resilient campus soils, to supporting endangered bat populations on campus, planning for ecological connectivity and more. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The event will:

• Highlight local and global urban biodiversity research and initiatives, including key SEEDS student research and recommendations for nature-positive urban environments.
• Explore opportunities to advance urban biodiversity on the Vancouver campus and beyond, from climate resilient soils, to co-existing with endangered bats, and UBC's tree inventory.
• See below for a detailed event agenda

Agenda

2:00-2:10 pm: Coffee, Snacks + Settling

2:10-2:20 pm: Land Acknowledgement + Welcome

• MC: Delanie Austin, Sustainability Educator, UBC Botanical Garden

2:20-2:30 pm: Campus Biodiversity Context

• John Madden, Director, Sustainability + Engineering, Campus + Community Planning

2:30-2:40 pm: Local to Global - COP15 + Global Biodiversity Framework

• Tara Moreau, Associate Director of Sustainability + Community Programs, UBC Botanical Garden
• Alex Wong, Sustainability + Indigenous Engagement Educator, UBC Botanical Garden

2:40-3:10 pm: Urban Biodiversity SEEDS Student Research Showcase

• Presentation 1: Effects of Manufactured Soil Blends on Urban Forest Resilience Under Climate Change; Daniella Zhang, 4th year Urban Forestry Student
• Presentation 2: Living with Endangered Species - Co-existing with Little Brown Bats on UBC Campus; Timothy Wong, 4th year Environmental Sciences Student
• Presentation 3: Tree Inventory Methods + Management; Finn Koepf, 4th year Urban Forestry Student

3:10-3:20 pm: Closing Engagement + Next Steps

3:20-4:00 pm: Pizza, Mix + Mingler

Please note: Masks are no longer required but are recommended in indoor spaces on The University of British Columbia campus. Learn about Covid-19 protocols at UBC: covid19.ubc.ca.

Please bring your own cup and container (in case of leftovers)

Biodiversity Days Organizers: This event is part of Biodiversity Days, a month-long celebration every May that honours the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). Local celebrations highlight the many species, genes and ecosystems that sustain our communities. Hosted by UBC Botanical Garden in collaboration with SEEDS Sustainability Program and Climate Crisis in Urban Biodiversity Initiative (CCUB), this year's events feature family nature walks, a student Research to Action Showcase, tree and bird tours, citizen science action, virtual events, practical workshops and more.

Biodiversity Days is made possible with funding provided through the UBC Botanical Garden Community Outreach Fund and with funds from the SEEDS Sustainability Program.

To find out more and see all the events, please visit our website at Biodiversity Days 2023.

Questions? Contact us at garden.programs@ubc.ca