The Cochrane Ecological Institute (CEI) will be hosting its second annual wildlife symposium next month - this year's theme is Finding Common Ground.
The Cochrane Ecological Institute (CEI) will be hosting its second annual wildlife symposium next month - this year's theme is Finding Common Ground.
“Our Symposia are designed to show that it is possible to alter the direction of habitat destruction, polarization of the population, management by multinationals, and loss of wildlife if we meet together and discuss different approaches to making this happen. That is what our Symposia are meant to illustrate, ” explained Clio Smeeton, president of the non-profit wildlife conservation, rescue, rehab and research institution.
After last year's “sold-out success ” for the inaugural symposium, organizers wanted to showcase how to cohabitate with wildlife.
“Our annual series of symposiums are not intended to be fundraisers for the charity - instead they are break-even events designed to inform as well as entertain the general public, ” organizers previously explained.
The event this year will host a variety of speakers including Sharon Butala, award winning author and playwright; J Edward Chamberlin, Order of Canada poet and author and professor at University of Toronto; Elaine Dewar award-winning author and journalist; and Ira NewBreast, chief of Natural Resources Division Bureau of Indian Affairs from Washington, DC - to name a few.
“We, the speakers, might all be old and grey (and we are) but our minds are not! We are still a non-sold-out rebel generation and we need the young to keep moving change forward, ” Smeeton said.
The Wilderness Wildlife and Human Interaction Symposium takes place on March 11 at the Cochrane RancheHouse during the morning and afternoon, with a Gala Dinner and silent auction in the evening.
To purchase tickets contact organizers at 403-932-6532, or by email at [email protected].
The CEI is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Cochrane, along Township Road 280
The registered charity accepts donations year round.
For more information, go to cochraneresearchinstitute.org.
FACTBOX
Photo Contest closes Monday
Organizers will also be hosting a CEI and CRI wildlife photography contest in conjunction with the symposium.
Entries can show wildlife and animals living their lives, whether that be eating/hunting, playing and enjoying themselves, or any other activity. Winning entries will be displayed at the Cochrane RancheHouse on March 11, online and on CEI's Facebook page.
A minimum $20 donation is required, $10 for those aged 17 and under, with a limit of three photos per donation. The contest closes Feb. 20.
To enter photographs go to cochraneresearchinstitute.org/photocontest.
