Wildlife and the liveable city: co-existing together

The City of Ottawa’s Wildlife Series is presenting a panel discussion on wildlife conservation in urban areas on March 2, the eve of World Wildlife Day.

The panel will include Councillor David Chernushenko, Chair of the City’s Environment Committee, Janet Mason, Chair of the Ottawa Stewardship Council, and Brenda Van Sleeuwen, a conservation biologist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, who will share their experiences on how cities and communities can contribute to wildlife conservation.

This first session of the Wildlife Speakers Series for 2015 starts at 6 p.m. with a trade show, followed by the panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. in Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West).

Visit ottawa.ca for more information and to register online for this free event.

The City’s Wildlife Series was approved by Council as part of the City’s overarching Wildlife Strategy and started with four sessions in 2014, covering the topics of: coyotes, backyard biodiversity, white-tailed deer, and winter birds. The series provides staff with an opportunity to promote public awareness of seasonal wildlife issues, as well as environmental initiatives and programs.

The Wildlife Speaker Series features experts on wildlife and wildlife issues, and promotes co-existence through understanding and respect. Each session also features an open house-style exposition of displays by City staff and local environmental organizations.

The United Nations has proclaimed World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wildlife and their habitats, and to raise awareness of the benefits conservation provides to people.