Join the Biosphere Institute and Canmore Public Library for an engaging exploration of the mountain meadows right here in our backyard across the Bow Valley presented by local ecologist, Jonathan Farr.
Monday, November 23, 2026
7pm - 8pm
Canmore Public Library (Friends Program Room)
Free to attend or by donation. Registration required. RSVP here.
What will attendees learn?
Attendees will learn…
What defines a meadow, the resilient native plants that thrive there, and how iconic species like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep rely on meadows for crucial forage throughout the seasons.
How historic fire suppression and climate change are reshaping these habitats, and why Wildfire Risk Reduction efforts around our mountain towns might provide an opportunity to restore both community safety and ecological integrity.
How ongoing community science and vegetation monitoring in these thinned, newly opened landscapes are tracking plant recovery and evaluating forage quality for wildlife.
How community stewardship could help restore ecological integrity in these meadows to benefit people, plants, and wildlife!
What are Earth Talks?
Earth Talks are a free monthly speaker series presented in partnership with the Canmore Public Library, bringing environmental knowledge holders, ideas, and conversations relevant to our Bow Valley community together.
About the Speaker
Jonathan Farr is a wildlife ecologist studying recently reintroduced bison in Banff National Park. Jonathan grew up in Alberta and his PhD research at the University of Montana with Dr Mark Hebblewhite has led him to explore plant-herbivore-predator dynamics using diet analysis, GPS data, and statistical modelling. While currently studying big critters, Jonathan has enjoyed researching coyotes, chickadees, and sea cucumbers, and is also an amateur botanist who isn’t afraid to admit that iNaturalist has saved him many a misidentification. When he isn’t stuck behind a computer doing statistics or, on a better day, collecting data in the backcountry, you can find him Nordic skiing, climbing, or playing the piano.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Canmore for their support in making Earth Talks possible.