Insects and spiders matter to us because of their enormous contributions to ecosystems, including in food webs, for pollination, enjoyment, and pest control. Some set back agriculture and forestry, and can harm health of humans, livestock, and wildlife. Some species seem to be in decline, or are being replaced. We will see examples of the lives of insects and spiders in our area, including some that are worthy of conservation. Citizen science participation and personal interest expressed by the public and students is an important part.
Speaker: Dan Johnson BSc, Sask; MSc, PhD, UBC, Institute of Animal Resource Ecology & Department of Plant Science
Bio: Dan promotes public understanding of science, especially about ecosystems and biodiversity. He conducts research on weather and life, sustainable crop protection, entomology, and environment. As a Professor at the University of Lethbridge, he has taught environmental science, including in the First Nations Transition Program, data analysis, experimental design, biogeography, and insect ecology. He organized and chaired the world conference on grasshoppers and locusts, in Canmore. He led the Canadian Zebra Chip and Potato Psyllid Monitoring and Research Network, 2013-2018. He served as a Canada Research Chair, and on the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board. He received the C. Gordon Hewitt medal from the Entomological Society of Canada, and served as ESC President in 2000. He is VP of the Entomol. Soc. Alberta.