Science, Trees and People: September 2012 Events in Ottawa

Written by guest blogger Denise Deby, who writes on local and global social and environmental issues.

Here are some cool things happening in Ottawa this week:

In Defence of Science: Alternatives Journal panel discussion, September 25, 2012

One of my favourite environment magazines, Alternatives Journal, is hosting a panel discussion on the role of science in protecting Canada’s environment and Canadians’ health on Tues., Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. Panelists include Dr. Robert Paehlke, Professor Emeritus at Trent University and Alternatives Journal founder; Dr. Adam Brown, Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Ottawa; Dr. Scott Findlay from the Institute of the Environment and Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Ottawa; and Professor Kathryn O’Hara, CTV Chair in Science Broadcast Journalism at Carleton University. It’s at the University of Ottawa, Demarais Building Rm. 12110.

Presentation September 25 and photo exhibit September 1-30, 2012 on the life of Algonquin Elder William Commanda

There’s a presentation on the legacy of Algonquin Elder William Commanda on Tues., Sept. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Ottawa Public Library’s main branch. A photo exhibit on his life runs at the library until Sept. 30. Both are part of the sixth annual Ottawa Peace Festival.

Champlain Oaks planting on National Tree Day, September 26, 2012

As part of National Tree Day—a celebration of urban trees—the Champlain Oaks Project along with students from St. George’s Elementary School will plant two bur oak saplings on Northwestern Ave in the Champlain Park neighbourhood, 10 a.m.-12 noon. The saplings were grown from mature bur oaks, which community members are trying to protect. (See Tree Canada website for additional National Tree Day events in Ottawa.)

Sept. 22-29 is also Organic Week in Canada, so why not celebrate with some local organic produce?