Tag Archives: ecology

UBC: Indigenous Ecology Lab MSc and PhD Positions are Open!

Posted by Michalina Hunter on July 23, 2024

The Indigenous Ecology Lab in the Faculty of Forestry and Faculty of Land & Food Systems at the University of British Columbia is currently recruiting three grad students! About The Indigenous Ecology Lab​ Applying an Indigenous, relational worldview to ecological restoration. The Indigenous Ecology Lab is part of the Belowground Ecosystems Group in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia. We apply an Indigenous, relational worldview to ecological restoration. Our work is community-based and co-generated by Indigenous communities looking to heal and reclaim food systems for all relations. We work together to reclaim, revitalize, adapt, and practice … Continue reading UBC: Indigenous Ecology Lab MSc and PhD Positions are Open!

Seasonal Changes Are Constant: Summer and Fall Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Posted by Alex on October 25, 2022

Photo by Natasha As part of the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers course, a group of farmers, growers, and food lovers across many Indigenous territories and ecosystems have committed to one year of active ecological observation based on the Blackfoot lunar calendar. Students pick a study site in their area and visit it often in order to recognize and learn from the patterns, relationships, and cycles they observe. Here are some of their reflections from the second half of summer. The latter part of summer was dry and warm with a long, drawn-out fall. There were lots of opportunities to harvest … Continue reading Seasonal Changes Are Constant: Summer and Fall Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Soaking It All In: Spring and Summer Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Posted by Alex on September 08, 2022

Photo by Brenda B. As part of the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers course, a group of farmers, growers, and food lovers across many Indigenous territories and ecosystems have committed to one year of active ecological observation based on the Blackfoot lunar calendar. Students pick a study site in their area and visit it often in order to recognize and learn from the patterns, relationships, and cycles they observe. Here are some of their reflections from the first part of summer. The first few lunar cycles of summer have been dynamic and vibrant. We passed though the summer solstice and watched … Continue reading Soaking It All In: Spring and Summer Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Delighted by Colour and Sound: Winter Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Posted by Rachel Spruston on May 30, 2022

Photo by Brenda Bohmer As part of the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers course, a group of farmers, growers, and food lovers across many Indigenous territories and ecosystems have committed to one year of active ecological observation based on the Blackfoot lunar calendar. Students pick a study site in their area and visit it often in order to recognize and learn from the patterns, relationships, and cycles they observe. Here are some of their reflections from the second part of winter. The past few moon cycles have been rich with change. We have passed through both the winter solstice and the … Continue reading Delighted by Colour and Sound: Winter Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

How This Farmer Brought Back the Meadowlark: Using Regenerative Practices to Restore Farm Ecosystems

Posted by Alex on February 24, 2022

Don and Marie Ruzicka recently retired after more than 35 years of farming. During their time at Sunrise Farm in central-eastern Alberta on Treaty 6 land, they transitioned from conventional to regenerative farming by altering their farming practices, protecting riparian areas, planting trees, and restoring grasslands. In the process, they witnessed incredible changes in the ecology of their farm. Don shares the story of how they used regenerative practices to restore their farm ecosystems. EARLY DAYS It would be a mistake to suggest that my wife Marie and I began farming with the knowledge of how the importance of the … Continue reading How This Farmer Brought Back the Meadowlark: Using Regenerative Practices to Restore Farm Ecosystems

Seeing with Different Eyes: Initial reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Posted by Rachel Spruston on December 15, 2021

Blackfoot Phenology

Photo by Travis Lee, Invermere, BC As part of the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers course, led by Beaver Bundle holder Ryan First Diver, a group of farmers, growers, and food lovers across many Indigenous territories and ecosystems have committed to one year of active ecological observation. Students pick a study site in their area and visit it often in order to recognize and learn from the patterns, relationships, and cycles they observe. (So far, students have observed and identified over 170 different species of plants, animals, and fungi at their sites.) Throughout the course, students are capturing their observations through … Continue reading Seeing with Different Eyes: Initial reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course