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Turkey vulture, eastern grey squirrel, and dog vomit slime mold are among the species observed at Dawson College over the past two years.
Published Nov 19, 2024 • Last updated 14 hours ago • 4 minute read
Dawson College biology teacher Brian Mader, along with Jennifer de Vera, the program development director at Dawson’s Office of Sustainability, proudly showcases the vibrant rooftop garden flourishing on campus. "We document everything—fungus, plants, moss, and lichen," Mader stated, highlighting their commitment to biodiversity. Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette
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Nestled in Montreal’s bustling downtown, an unexpected array of wildlife, from common snails to playful squirrels, is actively participating in the educational environment of Dawson College.
These species are part of an ambitious initiative titled 1,000 Species in 1,000 Days, where students have successfully cataloged over 1,000 distinct species found within the college’s urban landscape.
As part of this initiative, dedicated faculty and students have meticulously logged hundreds of different organisms encountered over the last two years, enriching not only their scientific understanding but also fostering a deep connection with nature.
“I find that students are consistently astonished to learn we have so many species thriving in the heart of downtown,” Mader explained. “If you’re situated within a more natural environment, like the Macdonald campus at McGill, spotting diverse species is likely easier. They boast impressive numbers, with over 2,100 species currently documented."
In this educational undertaking, some species have surprised students, such as the elusive eastern screech owl and the striking spiky green caterpillar, which metamorphoses into the majestic Cecropia moth—the largest moth species native to North America. This curious caterpillar caught the eyes of a staff member from Dawson’s print shop, highlighting the unexpected beauty that urban environments can host.
The project, which aims to elevate awareness about local biodiversity, began more than a decade ago when students expressed a desire to compile an online encyclopedia of campus species, taking inspiration from a similar project at Harvard University. However, the initiative gained considerable momentum two years ago when Dawson joined the Campus Biodiversity Network, spearheaded by Vanier College, engaging dozens of educational institutions across Quebec.
“This initiative serves three pivotal purposes,” Mader affirmed, “The first is to foster awareness of the biodiversity right around us, allowing us to learn to identify the various species we encounter. Knowing what exists in our environment is vital in determining the myriad ecosystem services they provide.”
Mader elaborated that among these ecosystem services, the presence of four distinct species of bumblebees on campus—common eastern, brown-belted, red-belted, and two-spotted—ensures robust pollination for Dawson’s vegetable garden.
Promoting sustainability on campus is another goal of this project. Many students have proactively built habitats, green spaces, and sustainable living areas, inviting new species and enriching campus biodiversity.
"I estimate that, without any gardens or microhabitats, we’d host around 200 species at most. But when given the right conditions, species will naturally thrive,” Mader noted.
Campus initiatives include artificial wetlands, rooftop beehives, and even a butterfly sanctuary, all of which have attracted an array of wildlife, including Dawson’s resident American toad. A particularly heartwarming story involves a toad that hitchhiked with the plants used for a rooftop garden; discovered by de Vera, it was rescued and later released into a newly constructed pond. Now, eight years later, this adventurous toad continues to make her home on campus.
Furthermore, the project plays an integral role in supporting students’ well-being. The first counts of species occurred in Dawson’s Peace Garden, created as a therapeutic space in the wake of the tragic shooting incident in 2006, honoring the life of student Anastasia De Sousa and aiding the healing process for many.
“If students immerse themselves in these rich outdoor learning experiences, they escape the confines of traditional classrooms and office spaces, fostering a stronger connection to their surroundings and peers,” Mader remarked.
The diversity of species is not solely quantified by their abundance—it’s crucial to document their varying populations.
Initially, the eastern grey squirrel was the most frequently observed species on campus due to its playful nature; however, data is now led by the brown-lipped snail, with 209 observations, compared to 126 for the squirrels.
Dawson’s original mission was to discover 1,000 species within a 1,000-day timeframe. Remarkably, as of Day 744, they have reached 1,015 species, with the latest addition being the slate-colored junco. Mader emphasized, despite having surpassed their goal, there’s no intention of slowing down. "I feel a sense of relief now that the pressure’s lifted,” he added.
To other institutions aspiring to replicate Dawson’s success, Mader advises simply, “Just start counting."
Adapting to urban ecosystems fosters a powerful appreciation of nature, reminding us that even in dense cityscapes, diversity thrives.
How have students at Dawson College contributed to enhancing biodiversity on campus through their projects?
**Interview with Brian Mader, Biology Teacher at Dawson College**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Brian. The “1,000 Species in 1,000 Days” initiative sounds fascinating. Can you tell us how this project came about?
*Brian Mader:* Absolutely! The project started more than a decade ago when students expressed a desire to document the various species on campus, inspired by a similar initiative at Harvard University. It really picked up momentum two years ago when we joined the Campus Biodiversity Network. This collaboration has helped us engage dozens of educational institutions across Quebec, amplifying our efforts.
*Editor:* That’s impressive! You mentioned that you’ve cataloged over 1,000 species. Which ones have surprised your students the most?
*Brian Mader:* Students are always amazed to discover the diversity we have right in downtown Montreal. Some unexpected species like the eastern screech owl and a striking spiky green caterpillar that transforms into the large Cecropia moth have also captured their attention. It really opens their eyes to the beauty and complexity of urban wildlife.
*Editor:* Urban wildlife can indeed be surprising. How does this project contribute to fostering awareness about local biodiversity?
*Brian Mader:* Our initiative serves three pivotal purposes. First, it raises awareness about the diversity of life around us. By learning to identify these species, students become more connected to their environment. Second, it illustrates the ecosystem services these species provide, such as pollination—like the four types of bumblebees in our vegetable garden. Lastly, it promotes sustainability on campus, as many students actively create habitats and green spaces.
*Editor:* Speaking of sustainability, what kinds of projects have students implemented to enhance biodiversity on campus?
*Brian Mader:* Our students have created artificial wetlands, rooftop beehives, and even a butterfly sanctuary. These initiatives not only invite new species but also enrich the overall biodiversity of the campus. For instance, without these gardens and microhabitats, we’d only see about 200 species, but with the right conditions, we’re flourishing!
*Editor:* It sounds like the campus is becoming a vibrant ecosystem. What has been the most heartwarming moment you’ve experienced through this initiative?
*Brian Mader:* One particularly delightful story involves an American toad that hitchhiked with some plants we used for a garden. It just goes to show how interconnected life is in these environments, and it reminds us that every action we take can positively impact the wildlife around us.
*Editor:* Thank you for sharing your insights, Brian. The work done at Dawson College is truly inspiring and showcases the beauty of urban biodiversity.
*Brian Mader:* Thank you for having me. I believe our efforts can serve as a model for other urban institutions to integrate science and sustainability into their environments.