Antelope squirrel on field trip.
Conferences provide an outstanding opportunity for networking with the international ecological and conservation community, getting feedback on ongoing research, and getting to know your immediate colleagues. And let’s face it, they are fun! The University of Manitoba has an excellent student travel funding system and most students attend a North American conference at least once every 2 years. In most cases, my students are able to attend several more conferences than that, by attending conferences held in Manitoba and / or driving to relatively local conferences in surrounding provinces and states. Students are strongly encouraged to attend conferences to both learn from the ecological community and to disseminate their research results.
Fun and interesting recent conferences have included attending The Wildlife Society conference in Hawaii; the International grasslands / rangelands congress in Inner Mongolia, China; American Ornithological Union in San Diego; and Society for Canadian Ornithologists annual meetings.
Nic on field trip at the San Diego Zoo.
Mountains rise out of the desert on a field trip to Anzo-Borrego state park.
Sunset off the San Diego coast.
Horseback displays in Inner Mongolia.
Livestock management on horseback in Inner Mongolia... just as we manage cattle on horseback in Grasslands National Park.
Great wall of China in Inner Mongolia.
We are particularly excited about attending the 5th North American Ornithological Conference in Vancouver in August 2012. Seems like most of the ornithologists in North America will be there! It’ll be an amazing opportunity to catch up with colleagues from away, learn about cutting-edge research, and some amazing field trips along the BC coastline.
Bison lovers at America's Grasslands conference
Personal experiences of students at conferences:
“When I went to the America’s Grasslands Conference in Sioux Falls SD, I couldn’t believe that there were so many people that were as passionate about grasslands as I was. While the experience was a very sobering one to hear just how much native grassland has been lost, it was amazing to see so many people from such diverse backgrounds to come together and try to find solutions to conserve and restore what is left. The conference was also an opportunity to meet so many professionals in the field. I am excited to be part of the research that contributes to our knowledge of the prairie and am looking forward to the next prairie conference in Winnipeg.” Tonya Lwiwski, Masters student.
Prairie grad students at America's Grasslands conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
“I attended my first conference in February 2010, and it may just have spoiled me, as far as conferences go. Besides letting me trade the frigid Winnipeg winter for the beautiful, sunny climes of San Diego, California for a few days, it was a major ornithological gathering. Comprised of members of the American Ornithologists’s Union, the Cooper Ornithology Society, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, I found myself suddenly surrounded by over 500 people who were just as obsessed by birds as I was. Everywhere I turned, there were people toting binoculars and field guides! The conference was very well organized, and packed full of activities that would make any bird nerd cry. Whether it was taking an early-morning walk led by top birders or taking a pelagic tour to observe sea-birds of the Pacific Ocean, entering a photography contest or a birding quiz bowl, this conference had it all. But the best thing of all was opportunity for professional development. I was able to both share my own research, as well as learn about the most recent avian research in a variety of topics. I met some of the top ornithologists of our day, including John FitzPatrick, the head of the world-renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Importantly, I was also able to get a feel for which agencies and companies employ ornithologists, thus giving me a heads-up when I begin my career search. All in all, the experience was the best possible introduction into professional conferences that I could have hoped for.” ~ Emily Pipher, Masters student.
We saw tons of pelagic birds & dolphins during a field trip at the AOU conference.Emily and Nicky on pelagic tour.
“I attended the 9th Annual Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference in 2010, and presented a poster. The conference was a lot of fun because some of the park employees I worked with during my field season were there, and they got to see some of my results for the first time. Seeing some of the other work that was being done in my study habitat was also really interesting, and gets you thinking about new ways to look at your own research topic. Finally, the workshops presented by professionals in the field were really worthwhile, partly because I was able to learn about what they’re doing and how they do it, but also that they often struggle with the same issues that I struggle with. This was really reassuring to me.” ~ Maggi Sliwinski, Masters student.
Maggi presented her award-winning poster on effects of cattle and bison grazing on prairie songbirds. Photo by Tonya Lwiwski.
“I attended the 2010 Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference in Winnipeg, MB, in 2010, to present a poster of my PhD study: “Managing transmission lines for prairie plants and animals”. This was the first conference which I attended that focused entirely on a single ecosystem in a single region of North America (prairie provinces and adjacent states). I also particularly noticed the participation of many user groups (farmers, scientists, ranchers, artists, Great Plains First Nations) at the conference, as well as the ongoing restoration efforts on behalf of threatened prairie species like the Black-footed ferret. As such, despite the magnitude of conservation problems in an uncertain, I actually felt hopeful for the ability of people to restore and conserve prairie biodiversity.” ~ Lionel Leston, Ph.D. student
“Attending the 9th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference in Winnipeg was extremely helpful to me as a graduate student. It was a great opportunity to learn about other current research, and to receive helpful feedback on my own research. The best part for me was listening to the speakers…it was very inspiring to hear about new, practical solutions for balancing prairie ecosystem conservation with sustainable agricultural activities from such passionate, optimistic people!” ~ Kristen Martin, Masters student
“In September, I went to a conference in Nova Scotia on reptile and amphibian research and had a great time. It was a smaller conference with attendees from all across Canada. It was great to hear what fellow researchers were doing, especially since the number of people in this field is small. I especially enjoyed the feedback on my research and insight from the research of others. The other highlight was the field trip, during which we found several species of snakes and salamanders, as well as endangered baby Blanding’s turtles. It was a conference I won’t forget!” ~ Allison Krause-Danielsen, Masters student
Emily and Nicky at the Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference.
Presentations (partial list):
Koper, N., Sliwinski, M., and Fargey, P. 2011. Conservation grazing in Grasslands National Park of Canada. America’s Grasslands Conference 2011, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. August 15-18, 2011, Sioux Falls Conference Centre.
Sliwinski, M., and Koper, N. 2011. Effects of cattle stocking rate and duration of grazing on songbirds of the mixed-grass prairie. America’s Grasslands Conference 2011, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. August 15-18, 2011, Sioux Falls Conference Centre.
Sliwinski, M., and Koper, N. 2011. Effects of cattle stocking rates on songbirds and habitat of the mixed-grass prairie. Assocation of Field Ornithologists (AFO), Cooper Ornithological Soceity (COS), Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) 2010 Joint Meeting. Kearney, Nebraska, USA, March 9-13, 2011, Younes Conference Center.
Pipher, E., and Koper, N. 2011. The effects of grazing intensity and years grazed on songbird nesting success in mixed-grass prairies. Assocation of Field Ornithologists (AFO), Cooper Ornithological Soceity (COS), Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) 2010 Joint Meeting. Kearney, Nebraska, USA, March 9-13, 2011, Younes Conference Center.
Richardson, A., and Koper, N. 2011. Changes in the songbird community since time burned in grazed and ungrazed pastures. Assocation of Field Ornithologists (AFO), Cooper Ornithological Soceity (COS), Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) 2010 Joint Meeting. Kearney, Nebraska, USA, March 9-13, 2011, Younes Conference Center.
Koper, N. 2010. The decline of tall-grass prairies in Manitoba. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Koper, N., Mozel, K., and Henderson, D. 2010. Recent declines of tall-grass prairies in Manitoba and effects of patch structure on community persistence. Society for Conservation Biology annual meeting, Edmonton, Alberta.
Koper, N., Sliwinski, M., and White, K. 2010. Effects of fire and grazing by bison and cattle on prairie birds: baseline results from an adaptive management experiment in Saskatchewan. American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
La Porte, N., and Koper, N. 2010. Revisiting the nesting ecology of western grebes after 40 years of changes at Delta Marsh, Manitoba. American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
Leston, L., and Koper, N. 2010. Do prairie birds select manmade grasslands with more food? American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
Bleho, B. and Koper, N. 2010. Habitat requirements of northern mixed-grass prairie passerines: the roles of habitat heterogeneity and grazing. American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
Ranellucci, C., and Koper, N. 2010. The effects of twice-over rotation grazing on the abundances of grassland birds. American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
Koper, N. 2009. The decline of tall-grass prairies in Manitoba. Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
La Porte, N., and Koper, N. 2009. Changes in the nesting ecology of western grebes over 40 years at Delta Marsh. Natural Resources Institute Research and Learning Forum 2009. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Leston, L., and Koper, N. 2009. Do prairie birds select manmade grasslands with more arthropod prey: managing transmission lines for prairie plants and animals. Natural Resources Institute Research and Learning Forum 2009. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Koper, N., Bleho, B., Lusk, J., White, K., and Selinger, A. August 2009. Effects of cattle grazing on prairie birds: baseline results from an adaptive management experiment in the mixed-grass prairies of Saskatchewan. Society of Canadian Ornithologists annual meeting, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Duran, S.M., and Koper, N. August 2009. The role of Wildlife Management Areas for the conservation of grassland birds in south-western Manitoba. Society of Canadian Ornithologists annual meeting, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
White, K., and Koper, N. May 2009. Songbird diversity and habitat use in response to burning on grazed and ungrazed mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Studies Association of Canada. Ottawa, Ontario.
Bleho, B., and Koper, N. February 2009. Songbird response to habitat heterogeneity and grazing at Grasslands National Park of Canada. Society for Range Management 62nd annual meeting. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Koper, N. Henderson, D., Wilmshurst, J., Fargey, P., and Sissons, R. 2008. New initiatives in prairie conservation: a large-scale, adaptive management grazing experiment in Grasslands National Park of Canada. A shift in Natural Resources Management Paradigm: from Resources Sufficiency to Functional Integrity? Workshop at the XXI Grassland / VIII Rangeland International Congress, Hohhot, China.
Koper, N. November 2008. Effects of grazing intensity on prairie birds: adaptive management in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Natural Resources Institute Research and Learning Forum, University of Manitoba.
Koper, N. October 2008. Urban Ecology. Guest lecture, Landscape Ecology, Carleton University.
Koper, N. Henderson, D., Wilmshurst, J., Fargey, P., and Sissons, R. August 2008. New initiatives in prairie conservation: a large-scale, adaptive management grazing experiment in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Joint meeting of the Canadian and Central Mountains and Plains Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Lakeview Conference Center, Gimli, Manitoba.
Leston, L., and Koper, N. August 2008. Utility rights-of-way as habitats for prairie arthropods and birds. Joint meeting of the Canadian and Central Mountains and Plains Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Lakeview Conference Center, Gimli, Manitoba. 1st place, student presentations.
Koper, N. Henderson, D., Wilmshurst, J., Fargey, P., and Sissons, R. August 2008. Effects of grazing intensity on prairie songbirds: adaptive management in Grasslands National Park of Canada. American Ornithological Union Annual Meeting, Hilton, Portland, Oregon.
White, K. and Koper, N. February 2008. Grassland bird diversity and habitat selection in response to burning on grazed and ungrazed mixed-grass prairie. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Mozel, K., and Koper, N. February 2008. Habitat selection of songbirds in Manitoba’s tall-grass prairie. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
De Ruyck, C., and Koper, N. February 2008. Saw-whet owl conservation: movements and population trends in Manitoba. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Leston, L., and Koper, N. February 2008. Utility Rights-of-Way as Habitats for Prairie Arthropods and Birds. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lusk, J. S., and Koper, N. February 2008. The effects of grazing on songbird nesting success in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Selinger, A., and Koper, N. February 2008. The effects of cattle grazing on the food abundance of prairie bird species in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Koper, N., Walker, D., and Champagne, J. September 2007. Nonlinear effects of habitat edges on Sprague’s pipits in southern Alberta. Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Queens University Biological Research Station, Chaffey’s Lock, Ontario.
De Ruyck, C., and Koper, N. September 2007. De Ruyck, C., and Koper, N. September 2007. Conserving saw-whet owls: movements and population trends in Manitoba. Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Queens University Biological Research Station, Chaffey’s Lock, Ontario.
Koper, N. Walker, D., and Champagne, J. September 2007. Effects of habitat edges on Sprague’s pipits. Natural Resources Institute Changing Landscapes Forum. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Koper, N., Walker, D., and Champagne, J. August 2007. Avoidance of habitat edges by Sprague’s pipits. American Ornithologists’ Union annual meeting. University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.
Koper, N., Schmiegelow, F.K.A., Henderson, D., Fargey, P., Wilmshurst, J., and Sissons, R. June 2006. The influence of life-history strategy on effects of grassland fragmentation and management on mixed-grass prairie birds. Society for Conservation Biology, San Jose, California, USA.
Koper, N., and Schmiegelow, F.K.A. May 2006. Does life-history strategy influence effects of grassland fragmentation on mixed-grass prairie birds in Alberta? Canadian Society of Zoologists Annual Meeting. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Koper, N., and Manseau, M. March 2006. Analysis of woodland caribou habitat selection using generalized estimating equations. Wildlife Management in Manitoba Speaker Session, Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Dalnavert Museum, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Koper, N., and Schmiegelow, F.K.A. August 2005. The relative influence of landscape and local habitat characteristics on prairie birds. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Palais de Congrès de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
Manseau, M., O’Brien, D., and Koper, N. August 2005. Optimum landscape spatial composition for woodland caribou: a multi-scale perspective. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Palais de Congrès de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
Posters:
Lwiwski, T., and Koper, N. 2011. Effects of grazing intensity on plant biodiversity and vegetation structure in a northern mixed-grass prairie. America’s Grasslands Conference 2011, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. August 15-18, 2011, Sioux Falls Conference Centre.
Tastad, A., and Koper, N. 2011. The relative effects of grazing by bison and cattle on plant community heterogeneity in northern mixed prairies. America’s Grasslands Conference 2011, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. August 15-18, 2011, Sioux Falls Conference Centre.
Martin, K., and Koper, N. 2011. Detectability of Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis, using multiple-visit, call-broadcast surveys. Assocation of Field Ornithologists (AFO), Cooper Ornithological Soceity (COS), Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) 2010 Joint Meeting. Kearney, Nebraska, USA, March 9-13, 2011, Younes Conference Center.
Bruinsma, D., and Koper, N. 2011. Does conspecific attraction explain area sensitivity of songbirds in tall-grass prairie? An experiment in progress. Assocation of Field Ornithologists (AFO), Cooper Ornithological Soceity (COS), Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) 2010 Joint Meeting. Kearney, Nebraska, USA, March 9-13, 2011, Younes Conference Center.
Duran, S., and Koper, N. 2010. Scale-dependent effects of landscape context on grassland songbirds in Manitoba’s mixed-grass prairie. Society for Conservation Biology annual meeting, Edmonton, Alberta.
Sliwinski, M., and Koper, N. 2010. Effects of bison and cattle grazing on grassland songbirds. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 1st place, student posters
La Porte, N., and Koper, N. 2010. Revisiting the nesting ecology of western grebes after 40 years of changes at Delta Marsh, Manitoba. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Leston, L., and Koper, N. 2010. Do prairie birds select manmade grasslands with more food? Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Ranellucci, C., and Koper, N. 2010. The effects of twice-over rotational grazing on abundances of prairie birds. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 2nd place, student posters
Martin, K., and Koper, N. 2010. Yellow rail habitat selection in south eastern Manitoba. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Pipher, E. and Koper, N. February 2010. Effects of grazing intensity and years grazed on songbird nesting success in northern mixed-grass prairies. American Ornithologists Union – Society of Canadian Ornithologists – Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting, Town and Country Resort, San Diego, California.
Ranellucci, C. and Koper, N. September 2009. The effects of twice-over rotation grazing on the abundances of grassland birds. Parks and Protected Areas Forum of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sept. 24-25. 1st place, student presentations.
Leston, L. and Koper, N. August 2009. Powerlines as habitats for prairie birds and arthropods. Society of Canadian Ornithologists annual meeting, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Leston, L. and Koper, N. November 2008. Establishing tall-grass prairie wildlife along Bishop Grandin Boulevard, Winnipeg. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba: Healthy Parks, Healthy People, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nov. 6-7.
Durán, S. and Koper, N. November 2008. The role of Wildlife Management Areas for the conservation of grassland birds in south-western Manitoba. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba: Healthy Parks, Healthy People, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nov. 6-7.
Mozel, K. and Koper, N. November 2008. Habitat selection by songbirds in Manitoba’s tall-grass prairie. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba: Healthy Parks, Healthy People, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nov. 6-7.
Bleho, B. and Koper, N. February 2008. Habitat selection by mixed-grass prairie songbirds in response to grazing at Grasslands National Park of Canada: a multi-scale analysis. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
White, K., and Koper, N. February 2008. Effect of fire on avian species diversity in grazed and ungrazed mixed-grass prairie. Prairie University Biological Symposium, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Champagne, J., and Koper, N. 2007. Effects of fire on Sprague’s pipits (Anthus spragueii) Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Oct. 25-26.
Lusk, J., and Koper, N. 2007. The effects of grazing on songbird nesting success in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Oct. 25-26.
Mozel, K., and Koper, N. 2007. Habitat selection by songbirds in Manitoba’s tall-grass prairie. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Oct. 25-26.
Teetaert, T., and Koper, N. 2007. Effects of cattle grazing on plant community heterogeneity in the mixed-grass prairies of Grasslands National Park of Canada (GNPC). Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Oct. 25-26.
Mozel., K., and Koper, N. September 2007. Habitat selection of songbirds in Manitoba’s tall-grass prairie. Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Queens University Biological Research Station, Chaffey’s Lock, Ontario. (poster)
Lionel F.V. Leston, and Koper, N. September 2007. Manitoba Hydro utility rights-of-way (ROWs) as wildlife habitat for grassland birds. Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Queens University Biological Research Station, Chaffey’s Lock, Ontario. (poster)
Champagne, J., and Koper, N. September 2007. Effects of fire on Sprague’s pipits (Anthus spragueii). Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Queens University Biological Research Station, Chaffey’s Lock, Ontario. (poster)
Mozel., K., and Koper, N. September 2007. Habitat selection of songbirds in Manitoba’s tall-grass prairie. Natural Resources Institute Changing Landscapes Forum. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lionel F.V. Leston, and Koper, N. September 2007. Manitoba Hydro utility rights-of-way (ROWs) as wildlife habitat for grassland birds. Natural Resources Institute Changing Landscapes Forum. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Henderson, D., Koper, N., Fargey, P., Wilmshurst, J., and Sissons, R. March 2007. Restoration of habitat heterogeneity through a large-extent, adaptive management grazing experiment in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference. University of Regina, Regina, Canada
Henderson, D., Koper, N., Fargey, P., Wilmshurst, J., and Sissons, R. May 2006. Restoration of habitat heterogeneity through a large-extent, adaptive management grazing experiment in Grasslands National Park of Canada. Canadian Society of Zoologists Annual Meeting. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Henderson, D., Koper, N., Fargey, P., Wilmshurst, J., and Sissons, R. February 2006. Large-scale experimentation and long-term monitoring in Grasslands National Park, Canada: planning and design. Society for Range Management Meeting, Vancouver, Canada.
