Submitted by Moira Parker
Sources of Knowledge will return to Tobermory May 1–3 for its 16th annual forum, bringing together researchers, conservation professionals, and community members to explore one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Great Lakes region: invasive species.
This year’s theme, Invasive Species: Action and Adaptation, looks at how non-native plants and animals are reshaping ecosystems on land and in water and what can be done in response.
The weekend opens Friday afternoon with a guided hike to a restored site near Malcolm Bluff, led by the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Brian Popelier. Participants will visit an area where invasive plants have been suppressed and native species re-established. Space is limited on this hike, so ensure you pre-register by emailing info@sourcesofknowledge.ca to get your spot.
Friday evening opens with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and global context. SON elder David Roote and fire keeper Lloyd Ritchie will kindle the sacred fire at 5pm which will stay ablaze the entire weekend. Renowned Chef Zach Keeshig of Nawash will serve hors d’oeuvres featuring invasive species, an unexpected way to engage with the topic and think differently about what these species mean and how we interact with them. This will be followed by a keynote from Dr. Peter Stoett of Ontario Tech University, who recently co-chaired a global assessment on invasive species across 145 countries. His talk will be followed by a discussion with Saugeen Ojibway Nation knowledge keepers Lenore Keeshig and Miptoon, exploring how relationships between people, land, and species are understood from an indigenous perspective.
Saturday features a full day of presentations examining invasive species across the Great Lakes region. Dr. Nicholas Mandrak will trace the history and future of aquatic invaders in Lake Huron, while Dr. Erin Dunlop will speak to the impacts of invasive mussels on lake whitefish populations. Additional talks will explore fish stocking, phragmites control, invasive species monitoring in national parks, emerging threats such as hydrilla, and approaches to ecological restoration at landscape and residential scales. The evening banquet, catered by Heat n’ Eat Meal Co., will be hosted at the Tobermory Community Centre. A cash bar will be available at the banquet.
The forum concludes Sunday with a moderated dialogue and question period, giving participants the opportunity to engage with speakers and reflect on key themes from the weekend.
Following the forum on May 5th, a guided e-bike tour, The Tub on Two Wheels: Identifying Forest Invaders, will explore local ecosystems and signs of invasive forest species. The small-group ride will be led in partnership with The Meeting Place Tobermory. Pre-registration required by emailing info@tobermorymeetingplace.com.
Sources of Knowledge will continue its spring talk series at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. On May 21, photographer Willy Waterton will present Salt of the Earth: People of Bruce County, a photo essay focusing on individuals across the northern Peninsula. On June 11, Dr. James Conolly of Trent University will present on what is considered to be the oldest shipwreck identified to date in the Great Lakes, placing the Ashbridge’s Bay wreck within a broader archaeological and environmental context.
The forum takes place at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Registration is open at sourcesofknowledge.ca or by emailing info@sourcesofknowledge.ca. Space is limited, but please reach out to inquire about availability. We look forward to seeing you there!
We would like to express a huge thank you to the many supporters and donors whose generosity has made this year’s Forum possible – this work could not happen without them.
