CWCB
Patterson Hall
Biology Department
ACADIA UNIVERSITY
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
CANADA B0P 1X0
telephone: 902-585-1469
fax: 902-585-1059
e-mail: Tom.Herman@acadiau.ca

The Centre plays a key role in curriculum development in ecology and conservation for university and professional courses, and also provides information and other educational resources to the local community. Specific areas of research include protected areas management, forestry and wildlife, and species at risk. The courses are enhanced by convenient access to a wide range of ecosystems that represent the rich biogeographic diversity of Nova Scotia.

CWCB attracts visiting scientists and students, and holds research associateships with other Atlantic universities and government agencies. The Centre, and Acadia University, is one of three university partners in the Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research Network (ACWERN). Along with Memorial University, University of New Brunswick, Canadian Wildlife Service, and provincial wildlife and conservation agencies, the regional research network is designed to improve our understanding of Atlantic Canadian ecosystems most at risk. The results provide scientific-based advice to industry and government regarding conservation measures, and facilitate ecologically sustainable development.

• Natural History and Field Biology
• Population Ecology
• Aquatic Ecology
• Wildlife Management
• Conservation Biology
• Estuarine Biology

Ecological integrity of Fundy National Park (1993-97).

The Centre is part of the Fundy Model Forest Program looking at habitat fragmentation and population viability of older-growth associated species.

The effects of forestry harvesting in deer wintering areas of Nova Scotia (1993-95).

A major cooperative venture between the Centre and Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. It involves examining deer, coyote, and forestry interactions within wintering areas in three distinct regions.

Grafton Watershed ecological restoration monitoring (1993-95).

A multi-agency cooperative venture monitoring the impact of restoring Grafton Lake in Kejimkujik National Park to its original levels, through dam removal. Of particular interest is restoration of presently submerged stream habitats and their associated Blanding's Turtle population.

Previous research projects.

1. Coyote Ecology Study.

2. Patterns of avian and human use on Crescent Beach.
3. Managing peripheral populations in a changing landscape.
4. Study of Piping Plover nest depredation.
5. Status and management of Garter Snakes on George's Island.

Bon Portage Island (BP)

A low-lying, exposed, offshore island supporting rocky intertidal diversity, and a large colony of nesting seabirds. Bird migration monitoring has been carried out on BP for years, and it has recently been identified as the anchor station for the Atlantic Bird Obervatory. The island contains adequate housing and lab space for up to 20 individuals, and is used extensively for field courses and research.

Morton Centre on Heckman's Island

This 40 ha sheltered coastal property is characterized by a low-energy shoreline. It supports a large tract of mixed softwood, in which the university is presently establishing a biodiversity plot as part of the Smithsonian Institution's international biodiversity monitoring network. Facilities on-site can accommodate small classes and research groups overnight. The site is available to larger classes for day use, and is easily accessible from Wolfville.

Brier Island

An important migratory flyway for raptors and songbirds, this rocky island also contains unusual plant communities. Nutrient-rich upwelling just offshore supports impressive numbers of seabirds and whales, during the summer. In autumn, botany and ornithology classes are held on the island, and small research groups visit throughout the year.

S. Bondrup-Nielsen - Wildlife biology, population ecology, conservation biology

M. Brylinsky - Marine biology, limnology, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research

G.R. Daborn - Limnology, estuarine biology, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research

T.B. Herman - Population ecology, mammalogy, conservation biology

E.G. Reekie - Physiological ecology, plant population and ecology

P.D. Taylor - Landscape ecology, conservation biology, Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research Network

• Science and Management of Protected Areas Association (SAMPAA)
• Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research Network (ACWERN)
• Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists
• Nova Scotia Nature Trust
• Blomidon Naturalists Society
• Nova Scotia Museums
• IUCN - Species Survival Commission