May 17 Brown Bag Lunch
“Restoration of Rough Fescue Grassland in Central Alberta”
Presenters
- Peggy Desserud, PhD Candidate, University of Alberta
Date
Monday, May 17th, 2010 12:00 pm â?? 1:00 pm
Location
Husky Building Conference Room A on the +30 level, 707 8th Ave SW
Description
Few tracts of plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii) grassland remain in western Canada, reduced by cultivation, urban and rural expansion, and oil and gas disturbances. Rough fescue grassland is an important forage source for cattle and wild ungulates, requiring no maintenance and being drought and fire resistant. Nevertheless, once the dominant grass throughout temperate grasslands in Canada, rough fescue fails to return once disturbed.
The main objective of this research program is the restoration of native rough fescue grassland following oil and gas disturbance. Peggy’s research into rough fescue ecology includes its reliance on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, its reaction to carbon, nitrogen and other soil chemicals, and its reaction to competition with other species, such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and smooth brome (Phleum pratense).
Background
Peggy has over twenty years experience in the energy industry most recently with TransCanada Pipelines. She left TransCanada in January 2003 to return to studies, completing a Master of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary before continuing her research in a PhD program at the University of Alberta department of Renewable Resources. The main focus of her research is the restoration of native rough fescue grasslands following oil and gas disturbance.
Mark your Calendars for this Free Talk
Members and Non-Members Welcome-Bring Your Lunch!â?¨
Reminder to ASPB members: â?¨attending brown bag lunches is just one of the ways â?¨you can accumulate credits for the CCP!