Synopsis: The Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS) has been at the forefront of ecological research for 70 years (1944-2014), training students and providing evidence-based science for policy makers. Called a "priceless asset to field biology", the AWRS has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of plants and wildlife in natural and human-impacted systems. Aging infrastructure and funding shortfalls threaten to close the Station and halt biological study by international research teams. We are asking for your support to help the not-for-profit AWRS reach financial sustainability - for students, public education, and future generations.
Please continue to read on below for the full story.
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Welcome to the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS)! It is here on the shores of Lake Sasajewun (native Algonquin tongue for little rapids) where students and researchers have come to study the natural world, all creatures great and small, since 1944.
Nestled in the heart of Canada's famed Algonquin Park, the AWRS has been home to some of the world's most celebrated naturalists (e.g., Bruce Falls), accomplished researchers in biology and ecology (e.g., Robert MacArthur), and renowned artists (e.g., Robert Bateman). Tucked discretely between the towering pine trees are modest red and white cabins and lab spaces. They may not look like much, but they are called home by eager young minds.
The gong has sounded as a reminder of meal time and at the rustic Cookhouse researchers are abuzz with their most recent wildlife observations and findings. How are pollinating insect communities faring in light of pesticide use? Are logging practices sustainable for forest birds, amphibians, and black bears? What can small mammal populations tell use about forest and ecosystem health? Are Algonquin wolves unique? Is fire a help or a hindrance to breeding bird communities? What does climate change mean for the seldom seen Spotted Salamander? How long do turtles live and what does this mean for the 7 of 8 Species At Risk turtles in Ontario? Here at the AWRS we are striving to learn more about the Science Behind Algonquin's Animals!
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The AWRS had been renowned worldwide as one of the world's largest and most accomplished outdoor laboratories, affording the unique ability to study plants, animals, and the whole ecosystems in which they interact. With over 1000 peer-reviewed publications, hundreds of Master's theses, Doctoral theses, and Technical Reports, the AWRS has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of plants and wildlife in natural and human-impacted systems. International teams from across Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have visited the AWRS to pursue research opportunities (and we are always looking for more partnerships!). At any given time the AWRS may host students working on a summer research positions, graduate students undertaking thesis studies, and college and university students taking accredited field courses.
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The AWRS has assembled some of the most impressive long-term research datasets, critical to monitoring long-term changes from anthropogenic effects, like climate change, on small mammals (60+ years of study), turtles (40+ years of study), birds (50+ years of study), salamanders (10+ years of study), frogs and insects in Canada (with far reaching implications worldwide) and has done so on a very modest budget. Now our Station needs your help!
The Plight of Biological Field Research Stations In Canada
In recent years, biological field research stations in Canada have fallen on hard times (see articles in Canadian Geographic, and other media sources). Government support for environmental research has dwindled and so too has informed science-based policy and decision-making.
At the AWRS we think it is critically important that the public be engaged and understand the importance of ecological research. Among research stations, the AWRS has been innovative in running an annual Meet the Researcher Day and Meet the Researcher Weekend public education and outreach events to raise awareness of the importance of environmental research. The events have been an incredible success with over 600 attendees annually! We are now looking to reach a much larger audience through continued research at the AWRS!
What We Need
Owing to its age (70 years!), the AWRS has a rich history. Also as a result of age, the AWRS has rotting floorboards, leaky roofs (and a leaky dish sanitizer!), a testy stovetop, drafty windows, slumping staircases, and a shortage of outhouses. The basic infrastructure of the AWRS is aging - lab spaces, cabins, teaching portable - and in need of critical repair. The little field equipment that the AWRS has on reserve for students and researchers, namely our small fleet of canoes critical for access to remote research sites within Algonquin Park, is in desperate need of rejuvenation.
How You Can Help
The AWRS is seeking donations and in-kind support to allow for infrastructure improvements (labs, cabins, cookhouse, et cetera) that will ultimately continue to support research and facilitate student learning. By donating to the AWRS, you will be directly contributing to the research and conservation efforts of AWRS researchers. We greatly appreciate your support and ensure that 100% of your donation will be put towards wildlife research in Algonquin Park. The AWRS is a registered not-for-profit organization in Canada.
We appreciate and thank you for your contribution!
Where is your money going?
It is estimated that the AWRS will require $70,000 (CDN) to complete infrastructure improvements. Through this campaign we are looking to raise as much funding as possible (minimum $5,000) to support these improvements. Your donation will help making the following possible:
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The continued study and protection of wildlife and wild spaces
- Improve the learning experience and training of college and university-level students studying in the fields of biology, conservation, ecology, and environmental science
- Inform natural resource policy and decision-makers with science-based evidence
- Public outreach and education on wildlife and biological research in Algonquin Park and well beyond its borders
- Even if the AWRS does not meet its funding goal, all money raised will go directly into repair and maintenance of this world-class biological research facility!
