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THE BIWEEKLY
MAY 1, 2025
Published by the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
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Conference 2025:
The Evolution of Biological Practice;
Celebrating 50 Years with the ASPB
The Call for Abstracts
is now open for:
- Poster Presentations
- Conference Presentations
- Workshops
● Speed Talks (10 minute presentations)
Click here for Details
And don’t miss your chance to support this year’s conference:
Click here for
Sponsorship Packages
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ASPB Photo Contest
The ASPB is hosting its annual photo contest again in 2025, with winners to be announced at the annual conference (November 26–28). Submissions are welcome from smartphones as well as traditional cameras. Detailed rules can be found at the following link:
CONTEST RULES
The Conference Committee sponsors the photo contest and will be looking especially for photos that celebrate this year’s conference theme: “The Evolution of Biological Practice: Celebrating 50 Years with the ASPB." The top ten photos will be pre-selected by the conference committee, based on how well they capture the theme or a biology-related subject; conference attendees will vote on the final winners from the top ten selections. The submission deadline is November 1, 2025.
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NEW ON THE
JOB
BOARD
Resource Analyst
Intermediate Environmental Planner (QAES)
Junior Forest Hydrologist
Junior/Intermediate Biologist
Assessment & Permitting Team Lead
Greenhouse Gas Engineer/Scientist
Vegetation Ecologist
Qualified Environmental Professional
Environmental Monitor
Seasonal Forest Research
Field Assistant
Project Coordinator - Site Investigation, Remediation and Response
Forest Reclamation Specialist
Environmental Scientist (Aquatics)
Senior Advisor, Environment (Biologist)
Senior Biologist
Aquatic Biologist
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
MANY OTHER POSITIONS
ON THE JOB BOARD
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ASPB scholarships awarded
at the University of Alberta
The UofA has announced the 2025 recipients of ASPB Scholarships, as follows:
Two D. Alan Birdsall Memorial Scholarships, in the amount of $4200 each, have been awarded to Dustin Doty and Melissa Misutka.
The ASPB Graduate Scholarship, in the amount of $2700, has been awarded to Deborah Hawkshaw.
The Robin Leech Graduate Scholarship in Biological Sciences, in the amount of $1600, has been awarded to Hannah Bordin.
The university accompanied their announcement with the following expression of gratitude: Your generosity opens a world of possibilities for University of Alberta students, allowing them to make a difference. Thank-you for your support and for helping students shape an inspiring future.
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CCUS Development in Alberta
From the Executive Summary of the Study of Water Impacts of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) Development in Alberta, we quote the following:
In a rapidly evolving global geopolitical climate, emphasis continues to be placed by governments, institutions, companies, and individuals on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Alberta, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has been identified as integral to transitioning to a lower carbon economy, with the goal of leveraging the province’s existing strengths while fostering new economic opportunities. A critical facet of the energy transition, including CCUS, is its potential water-related impacts and opportunities, and the constraints which water supply may place on its development.
The full text is available HERE.
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The latest updates from the
Alberta Biodiversity
Monitoring Institute
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Aquality course registration is now open:
Alberta Wetlands: From Classification to Policy”
Course material will include wetland classification, wetland hydrology, and an examination of characteristics of peatlands and mineral wetlands. Federal, provincial, and municipal policies (particularly the Alberta Wetland Policy (2013), will be discussed, as well as wetland assessments including both desktop delineations and field assessments, ABWRET assessments, and economic valuation of wetlands will be examined. Wetland avoidance, mitigation, compensation/replacement guidelines, and WAIR/WAIF applications will also be addressed. This 2-day course will be taking place online via Zoom between 0900 and 1600 on May 6 and 7, 2025. To register please go here: https://www.wetlandpolicy.ca/register
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Fishes of Alberta
Field Identification Workshops
Real preserved fish will be identified using a variety of established identification keys in a classroom setting. The workshop will be held in Calgary on Saturday, May 10, 2025 and in Edmonton on Sunday, May 18, 2025, between 13:00 and 16:30 each day. Specific details will be provided for paid participants; the cost is $175 per student, and a copy of the Alberta Field Guide is included.
This course is instructed by Shona Derlukewich, Owner: School of Fish. Payment is due BEFORE the workshop by credit card (include a 3.5% service charge) or by e-transfer to derlukew@ualberta.ca
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Webinar: Licensure Requirements for
Engineers and Geoscientists in Alberta
Join APEGA on May 15, 2025 at 11:30 for a talk by an APEGA representative who will answer any questions you may have about engineering or geoscience designation. Brought to you by the APEGA Peace Region Branch. Everyone is welcome to attend. Register Now
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ANPC Annual Workshop
The Alberta Native Plant Council 2025 workshop will take place May 24, 2025 in Red Deer. (Please note that Virtual Attendance is also available at a reduced rate!) The workshop (Plants through Time) will highlight how plants, habitats, conservation and people’s knowledge have evolved through time, from decades to thousands of years. The keynote speaker will be Jenny L. McCune with the University of Lethbridge, speaking on Plants through Time: From the Distant Past to the Invisible Present. On May 25, there will be a field trip to the Morris Flewwelling Ranch at Pine Lake
Register HERE.
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Bryophyte ID course
This 2-day course is an introduction to bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), designed for natural resource professionals, to develop the skills needed to detect and identify common Alberta wetland species. The focus of the course is on key features used in field identification (e.g. leaf morphology, microhabitats), and distinguishing species from similar taxa.
May 26 (8:30 am to 5 pm):
Classroom: Introduction to bryophytes
and to the common wetland taxa in Alberta
Location: Vertex Professional Services
161-2055 Premier Way, Sherwood Park
Field: Identification methods and sampling techniques of common marsh and fen bryophytes
Location: Wagner Natural Area (~ 30 minutes west of Sherwood Park)
May 27 (8:30 am to 5 pm):
Field: Identification of common species in wetland (fen) habitats continued
Practical assessment - test of field identification skills
Location: Clyde fen (~ 1 hour north of Sherwood Park)
Instructor: Brittney Miller, P.Biol, M.Sc. Bryology
Cost: $350 per person (+GST) *Transportation responsibility of participants
Includes:
- 20x hand lens (an essential tool for bryophyte ID)
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An illustrated field guide booklet of common wetland bryophytes with detailed key features and microhabitats
(excerpt from of The Common Mosses and Liverworts of Alberta by Brittney Miller tinyurl.com/CommonBryophytesofAlberta)-
- Certificate of Completion
To register and for more information contact: bryophytes@vertex.ca
Limited space is available – Registration closes May 16th
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Boreal Wetlands Field Course
Vertex is offering a course on May 28-30, 2025 designed for natural resource professionals and ecologists looking to deepen their understanding of boreal wetland ecosystems and management. This 3-day course is designed for natural resource professionals looking to develop their expertise in wetland assessments and delineation. Segments of the course will take place at the Edmonton area, at the Vertex facility at Sherwood Park and at the Wagner and Clyde Fen Natural areas. For more information and to register please contact wetlands@vertex.ca
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SOIL230 Pedology Field School
Montrose Environmental will provide the following In-Person soil course from May 28-30, 2025. This beginner-course will enable 24 hours toward Professional Development. The cost is $600 (+GST). Previous foundational soil knowledge is recommended; more details and links to register are found here: https://go.montrose-env.com/learning-series.
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Whitebark and Limber Pine Survey Methods,
Health and Restoration
This two-day course is in Manning Park, BC July 10th & 11th (please register by July 1st).
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Day 1: Comprehensive field introduction to whitebark and limber pine ecosystems, threats, species identification, disease and pest assessment
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Day 2: Plus-tree selection, field data collection, recovery strategies, regulations, best practices and restoration approaches.
For more details please go HERE.
Registration for professionals is $620 + GST ($550 + GST for Members).
Register Now
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NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Please find copied below the NRTG’s courses for May 2025:
Plant Collection and Protocols – Online – May 1st and May 8th, 2025
Plant Collection and Protocols – Online – May 1st and May 8th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Terrace, May 2nd, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Terrace, May 2nd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Field Safety — Preparation – Online – May 2nd & May 9th, 2025
Field Safety — Preparation – Online – May 2nd & May 9th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Identification and Control Methods of Common Weeds in Western Canada – Online – May 6th, 2025
Identification and Control Methods of Common Weeds in Western Canada – Online – May 6th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods – Online – May 8th- 9th, 2025
Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods – Online – May 8th- 9th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Saskatoon, May 8th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Saskatoon, May 8th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Avenza Maps for Planning, Navigating & Collecting Data for Environmental Use – Online – May 13th, 2025
Avenza Maps for Planning, Navigating & Collecting Data for Environmental Use – Online – May 13th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Wetland Assessment – Online, May 13th- 14th, 2025
Wetland Assessment – Online, May 13th- 14th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Lower Sackville, May 14th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Lower Sackville, May 14th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Communicating Environmental Science – Online – May 14th, 2025
Communicating Environmental Science – Online – May 14th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) May 2nd & Cochrane – May 15th – May 16th, 2025
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) May 2nd & Cochrane – May 15th – May 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Prince George, May 16th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Prince George, May 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, May 16th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, May 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, May 16th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, May 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, May 16th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, May 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Field Safety — Survival & Medical Emergency Self-Treatment – Online – May 16th & May 23rd, 2025
Field Safety — Survival & Medical Emergency Self-Treatment – Online – May 16th & May 23rd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online – May 20th, 2025
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online – May 20th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) May 2nd & Nova Scotia (Central) – May 21st – May 22nd, 2025
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) May 2nd & Nova Scotia (Central) – May 21st – May 22nd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Winnipeg, May 23rd 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Winnipeg, May 23rd 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario – Online & Cambridge – May 26th-30th, 2025
Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario – Online & Cambridge – May 26th-30th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Land Guardian Program – May 26th – June 27th, 2025 – Online
Land Guardian Program – May 26th – June 27th, 2025 – Online Natural Resources Training Group
For the full calendar of upcoming courses, and course details, follow this link:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
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KEEPING TRACK
with
FIERA BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING
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Introduction to Wildlife Tracks — Online Study Session, May. 8, 2025.
6pm MST | 2-hours | Online via Zoom
The study session will focus on impactful tracking tips aimed at improving performance at a future Track & Sign Certification, or give you a jump start at one of our other in-person tracking workshops.
Open to anyone interested — you do not have to be signed up for a Certification or in-person workshop to participate.
Learn more and register here
Track & Sign OnLine – Study Session, Aug. 26, 2025.
6pm MDT | 2-hours | Online via Zoom
The study session will focus on impactful tracking tips aimed at improving performance at a future Track & Sign Certification, or give you a jump start at one of our other in-person tracking workshops.
Open to anyone interested — you do not have to be signed up for a Certification or in-person workshop to participate.
Learn more and register here
Track & Sign Certification – Sep. 9 & 10, 2025, Hinton, Alberta
Hinton Area | September 9 & 10, 2025 | Ages 18+ | Register before September 1 | Limited Space
This 2-day field-based workshop in Alberta’s wildlife rich foothills offers the opportunity for participants to earn certifications in Track & Sign from Levels 1 to Professional (Level 4). This is an extremely challenging and engaging workshop designed to find the edges of your abilities and propel you past them. Participants must obtain at least 70% during the evaluation —
All abilities welcome.
Learn more and register here
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Introducing
ASPB
Student Ambassador
by Emma Smith
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My name is Emma Smith and I’m in my final year of completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Mount Royal University. I’ve always been interested in studying ecosystems, conservation, and biodiversity. Last year, I completed an Honours research project investigating genetic variation among populations of Yukon lake whitefish. This year I have provided support in the lab contributing to the exploration of lake trout genetics.
I have also assumed the Student Ambassador role with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) for the 2024-2025 academic year. Working with the ASPB has helped me develop skills facilitating outreach and sharing information with other students. I am grateful for this experience and look forward to using these skills in my future endeavors.
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At the ASPB, we regularly receive notifications from Google Scholar and other sources which we select and share below in the BIWEEKLY. Here is the latest batch (the links are HOT):
Oxidative potential of ambient particulate matter from community sites in Alberta's oil sands region
Evolutionarily distinct lineages of a migratory bird of prey show divergent responses to climate change
Cody, Bison, and the Fletcher Site on the Canadian Prairies
One‐stage spatial mark–resight analysis reveals an increasing grizzly bear population with declining density near roads
Boosters in the same arm work faster
The Worsening Positive Feedback Loop Between Wildfires and Climate Change in Canada: Natural and Strategic Control Measures
Burn Severity and Plant Species Recovery Two Decades Post-Fire in Mesic, Mixed-Conifer Forests of Northwestern Montana
Video: Plastic legacy seen in larvae cases
Crows make expert shape spotters
Accurate prediction of olive‐sided flycatcher breeding status using song rate measured with autonomous recording units
Differences in fur cortisol levels of three migratory bats
Urban coyotes were observed rarely and retreated consistently from assertive approaches by volunteers in neighborhoods
A comprehensive review of remote sensing in wetland classification and mapping
bbousuite: A set of R packages to facilitate analysis of
Soil to Sustainability: School Gardens as a Pedagogical Approach for Promoting Experiential Learning in Science and Environmental Education in K-12
Influence of Reproductive Status on Occupancy of Salvage‐Logged Boreal Forest by Moose (Alces americanus)
Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in endangered American badgers (Taxidea taxus) and fishers (Pekania pennanti) from British Columbia, Canada, 1998 to 2018
Disturbance in Small, Fragmented Peat Bogs and its Contribution to Iris pseudacorus Colonisation
Plant Community Responses to Long-Term Seasonal Bison Grazing in the Dry Mixed Grassland of Saskatchewan
Arctic grayling recovery summary report
An introduction to statistical models used to characterize species-habitat associations with animal movement data
What are Canadians willing to pay for bird habitat conservation? A contingent valuation approach
Whooping Crane Status
Alberta-bats-white-nose-syndrome
Does wetland restoration create an ecological trap for migrating Brown trout smolts?
Individual Discrimination Within, but Not Between, Two Vocalization Types of the Black‐Capped Chickadee
Mendel’s pea mystery finally solved
Passive acoustic monitoring as a tool for retroactively assessing range boundaries of cryptic species
How federal law enables and constrains biodiversity offsetting in Canada
Spiders spin sound-dependent webs
Changing the narrative on human–bear conflicts by standardizing bear management terms
Predicting the Impact of Climate Change-Induced Resource Loss on the Endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia)
Investigating the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in the environment in Canada: A scoping review.
“Eco-friendly” road de-icers may not be so friendly: Assessing the toxicity of beet-juice brine and potassium chloride to Daphnia pulicaria
Photosynthetic oxygen bubble stream sounds from aquatic macrophytes, and their consequences for acoustic biodiversity inventories and acoustic communication in …
Mosquito‐Borne Diseases in Canada: Integrated Perspectives on Disease Management and Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors Affecting the …
Energy infrastructure clears the way for coyotes in Alberta's oil sands
Post-fire vegetation regeneration during abnormally dry years following severe montane fire: Southern Alberta, Canada
Long-term wildlife research and monitoring sites in Arctic Canada
What Canada’s election means for science
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This week’s banner photo:
Small Beginnings
Watching this squirrel feasting on a log by the Athabasca River, I noticed the small pile of chippings falling to the ground below and discovered the beginnings of a midden that will in time provide food storage for the squirrel during the long winter months. The small beginnings of a midden demonstrate the time and dedication required to build up these structures and the importance of not disturbing them.
Taken with a Canon DSLR camera, by Katerina Schiller-Deorksen, P. Biol.
PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST
In Alberta, Professional Biologists are registrants of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), and are subject to a code of ethics, continuing competency requirements, and a disciplinary process. The ASPB is a self-regulated organization under legislation in the Province of Alberta, meaning its purpose is to protect the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practice biology in accordance with that legislation. The society is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its registrants.
You are probably receiving this newsletter because you are an ASPB Registrant. This newsletter provides relevant information and professional development opportunities for our members, as well as essential member-related society business; if you are registered with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, please DO NOT unsubscribe.
For more information about the Society or to contact the administration, please visit the website: https://www.aspb.ab.ca
Opinions and general news published in this e-newsletter
do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Society or its Board of Directors.
2025
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