NATURE IN

CITY

11
THE

20
A six-part series of illustrated talks on nature within the City of London

Humans are just one of many species that call London home. Whether harmonious or rocky, relations
with our wild neighbours are always interesting. This series offers insight into how a selection of fellow
residents makes a living within the cityscape. Plan to encounter some amazing alternative lifestyles!
January 18
TALKING TURKEY:
Fun, Facts and More
In recent decades Wild Turkey
numbers have exploded across
southern Ontario. Karen Auzins
follows the story from her backyard,
where she operates the mother of all
bird feeders. With turkeys making
the rounds, tales of love, adaptation
and survival abound.

January 25
INVASIVE PLANTS: When
Newcomers Get Too Pushy
Alien plants routinely find their
way to Ontario from other parts
of the world. Here, some become
photo: Eric Auzins

aggressive invaders of natural

habitats, edging out native species.
Ian Jean of the Ausable-Bayfield
Conservation Authority updates us
on current hot contenders.

February 1 February 15 February 22

THE ELUSIVE BADGER:
Playing a Game of
“Where’s Waldo?”
Ron Gould of the Ministry of Natural
Resources makes it his business to
dig up the dirt on badgers, among the
rarest of local mammals. A solitary
wanderer, the badger encounters
many difficulties in trying to survive
in a developed and settled landscape.
February 8
YEASTS IN THE CITY:
A Soap Opera of Villains and
Innocents
“Yeastie-beasties” (actually
fungi) do more than make bread
rise. Their miniature netherworld
encompasses everything from tree
slime to a working relationship with
fruit flies. André Lachance of the
UWO Biology Department has been
teasing out their secrets.
THE BUZZ ON SOCIAL
INSECTS:
Honey Bees and Friends
Insect societies form intricate and
fascinating communities that are
essential to the smooth functioning
of the natural world. Graham
Thompson of the UWO Biology
Department explains how insect
behaviour is organized to ensure that
jobs get done.
Co-sponsored by
Nature
London
MEADOWLILY NATURE
PRESERVE:
Challenges and Benefits of Urban
Nature Reserves
To thrive in the city, many wild creatures
and natural communities need much more
than backyards and recreational parks.
Don Gordon shares the experiences of the
Thames Talbot Land Trust in protecting the
wonderfully diverse abundance of nature at
Meadowlily.
7:30–8:30 pm
Tuesdays
January 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
Central Library
251 Dundas St. ~
Wolf Performance Hall
Families are welcome!
(with children 10 and up)
Free admission!
2 hours free validated parking in
Citi Plaza during Library hours