Coulee Thirst: Plants and Water in the Oldman River Valley
The woodlands and shrub thickets of our river valleys and coulees are valued by many southern Albertans for their beauty and the shade and shelter they provide for wildlife. What is it that allows trees and shrubs to grow and thrive in the semi-arid prairies of southern Alberta? Will these habitats be sustained for future generations to enjoy?
Dr. Matthew Letts, a climatologist and ecologist who has studied cloud forests, peatlands and now the coulees of Lethbridge, will describe the unique physiological adaptations of trees and shrubs to our semi-arid climate. He will offer his thoughts on the impact of climate change and urban development on the local vegetation and coulees.
Speaker: Matthew Letts
Dr. Matthew Letts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His research focuses on how plants respond to environmental stress. He has research stations in the coulees of Lethbridge, the eastern slopes of Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta) and in the cloud forests and paramo of Colombia.
Matthew received a Ph.D. from the University of London, U.K., and worked as a lecturer at Trent University in Ontario before coming to Lethbridge in 2003.
Moderator: Susan Lingle
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2007
Time: Noon - 1:30 PM
Location: Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.
Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)