If you can't make it on Thursday evening, I'm also giving a seminar at the University of Ottawa:

Friday, October 31
10:30-11:30 am
D'Iorio Hall (Chemistry & Biology), Room 214
www.uottawa.ca/faculty-scie...

This annual lecture is held in memory of Dr. George Carmody, a cherished member of Carleton's Biology Dept.

We share the belief that the arts and sciences together are crucial to understand the world, along with a commitment to support early career professionals.

I feel honoured to give this talk.

Hello Ottawa! I will be giving talks at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa later this month. You are welcome attend.

Thu Oct 30, 5:30-6:30 pm
Annual Carmody Lecture
Carleton University
Health Science Auditorium HS 1301

carleton.ca/biology/cu-e...

It seems there are two main reasons things haven’t gone completely to shit in the US: 1. Lawyers and the courts; 2. Journalists and the media. Most of us can’t do anything about the first, but we can support journalism. Stop complaining about paywalls and subscribe to news & donate to public media.

"Research shows wildfires are 4x more likely in areas w/roads than in roadless forests...and >90% of wildfires occur within 1/2 mile of a road. Even USFS's own research undercuts the argument that repealing the roadless rule would have a positive effect on fire mgmt."🌍 www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...

The 6 Canadians travelling on The Conscience with the flotilla to Gaza must be immediately released. These brave Canadians have been abducted illegally from international waters by Israeli forces.

I feel like this photo of masked, armed men pepper spraying a pastor protecting his community is going to be a defining picture of this moment in America for a long, long time.

[3 Oct 2025] Another round-up of #ConservationJobs, mostly in 🇨🇦.

Please share so others benefit.

I welcome additional environment-related job ads (as long as salary range is included). You can comment or DM me.

www.linkedin.com/posts/aerinj...

Ha! I feel that.

Watch for @ncccnc.bsky.social’s research partner — Jessica Sánchez-Jasso, from UManitoba! She’s presenting a poster about her PhD research restoring butterflies in the tall-grass prairie.

natureconservancy.ca/people/jessi...

I want to explain this a bit b/c it’s important. When the Building Canada Act (then C-5) was introduced, it required the feds to consult w/ the provinces re: PONIs (s 5(7)). But the Act was amended at 3rd reading by the Transportation Committee. Section 5(1.1) was added by the Bloc Québécois. 1/n

Environmental groups are warning that legislative and regulatory changes to fast-track majornational projects could sideline Indigenous rights, along with health and environmental protections. Read the new info we found in federal reports.

zurl.co/Z263e

#cdnpoli #FirstNations

Here's the assignment folks. Write op-eds for your local papers and campus newspapers too. Just. Say. No. This is a classic authoritarian move and risks the future of higher education and science and innovation in the US. Speak out today. No time to lose. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/o...

Side note: if you have newsy stories about how biodiversity is being affected by the Trump administration's policies--ideally stories rooted in ongoing scientific research--let me know.

“The Netanyahu government is committing a genocide on the Palestinian people. This is not a matter of opinion. This is a matter of fact that has been established by the global leaders who study genocide."

- Michigan's lieutenant governor, Garlin Gilchrist at the Arab Convention hosted by the ADC.

Hey, so...Covid rates have gotten real high. Maybe change your behavior to fit this new risk profile? Stop eating indoors at restaurants, mask on mass transit, that kind of thing?

CA Biology job alert
My unit at the CA Dep of Fish and Wildlife is hiring a permanent position to write 5 year reviews for species listed under the CA Endangered Species Act.
Based in West Sacramento, currently 2x week in office.
I am happy to answer questions
calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/...

📌

As expected the Shopper Drug Mart portal is showing available #covid19 appointments for high-risk groups (more being added throughout day/week): shoppersdrugmart.medmeapp.com/schedule/act...

If asked, in ON the minimum interval is 84 days since previous dose: www.ontario.ca/page/covid-1...

Our research on Microsoft’s data centers is out and it’s 😬

💡Huge energy demand (as much as New England by 2030!)


⛽️ Fossil fuel reliance (most data centers in states with ≥50% FF grids)


🏫Local impacts (data centers used to justify more gas)

Learn more and take action: stand.earth/microsoft-ai

🚨CSEE 2026: Call for Symposium & Workshop Proposals!
Got a great idea for a session? Now's your chance to shape the CSEE 2026 program!

🗓️ Deadline: Nov 3, 2025 @ 9:00 PM
📋 Submit via: event.fourwaves.com/csee2026

Full instructions + selection criteria on the site.

Can’t wait to listen to this!

🚨 BREAKING: All major groups of wildlife in Canada are in decline

#LPRC2025: Across 910 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles & amphibians, wildlife populations in Canada have declined by 10%, on average, since 1970.

BUT not all is lost. Together, we can help nature heal & wildlife recover.

“Draw the Line” rallies are happening on Sat Sept 20 all around the world.

✅ March for peace
✅ March for justice
✅ March for sustainability
✅ March for affordability

drawtheline.world/canada?r=CA&...

This is the biggest attack on free speech since the McCarthy era but it also has significantly less popular consensus behind it than the second Red Scare. It's being done on behalf of a minority faction led by the most unpopular president in modern history. Organizing against this can win.