Ecologist Brook Skagen's presentation to the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) serves as a stark reminder of the ecological crisis unfolding in southern Alberta. His message is clear: the region's grasslands and their inhabitants are disappearing, and society is becoming 'blind' to this loss.
Skagen's concern stems from the gradual nature of ecological change, which often goes unnoticed until it's too late. He warns that the transformation of southern Alberta's grasslands into cultivated land has been happening for generations, and many people no longer recognize what once was. This 'ecological blindness' is a pressing issue, as it hinders our ability to appreciate and protect what remains.
One of the most alarming examples Skagen uses is the horned lark, a bird that has suffered a staggering 90% population decline in Canada over the last half century. This decline is happening in plain sight, yet it seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the public.
Skagen's presentation draws parallels between ecological change and technological advancements. Just as VHS tapes and public phones have been replaced by streaming services and smartphones, our understanding of what's 'normal' in the natural world is constantly being recalibrated. This shift in perspective can lead to a disconnect with our environment, making it harder to recognize and address ecological issues.
The ecologist emphasizes the importance of 'ecological memory,' which is the passing down of knowledge about landscapes, species, and environmental conditions from one generation to the next. Historically, Indigenous knowledge and oral storytelling played a crucial role in preserving this memory. However, today, much of this connection has been severed, leaving us less attuned to the changes occurring around us.
The audience's concerns during the question-and-answer session reflected the same pattern of society forgetting lessons learned. Issues like coal mining proposals, the conversion of native prairie into irrigated potato farmland, and the rollback of restrictions on strychnine poisoning for ground squirrel control all highlight the lapse in ecological memory. Skagen warns that these actions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the immediate ecosystem but also the broader environment.
Despite the grim realities, Skagen offers a glimmer of hope. He believes in the power of 'the ecology of noticing,' where ordinary people can contribute to conservation efforts through citizen science programs, bird counts, plant identification apps, and even by documenting the natural world around them. These simple acts of observation can help researchers track ecological change and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
In conclusion, Skagen's presentation serves as a call to action for southern Albertans to reconnect with their environment and become more aware of the ecological changes occurring around them. By embracing 'the ecology of noticing,' we can work towards a more sustainable future and ensure that future generations can appreciate and protect the natural world that we are currently losing in plain sight.
