Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Presenter: Emily Hamant

Prairie-oak ecosystems, which are embedded within the coniferous forests of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, are among the most ecologically unique systems in British Columbia. Unfortunately, prairie-oak ecosystems are highly threatened due to habitat conversion, invasive species, and changes in disturbance regimes that promote overgrowth by Douglas-fir and decline of iconic tree species like Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii). Emily’s talk focuses on the ways Arbutus may play distinct and important roles in supporting bird communities in the region. She will highlight the community of birds that use the resources provided by Arbutus and discuss how conserving Arbutus could help birds of conservation concern while broadly supporting biodiversity in these landscapes.  

Emily is a doctoral student in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment at Cornell University.  She received her B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Mathematics from the University of Montana and has worked on several field ornithology projects throughout the western United States.