In the second half of Week 1, we are taking a regional perspective to research on the Prairies. We have three videos that look to understand the natural diversity of prairie landscapes and the natural features embedded within them.

First, Jared Wolfe explains his watershed classification study, which divides the Canadian Prairies into seven classes based on geographic characteristics. He poses how understanding the diversity of prairie watersheds, and thus the potential diversity in behaviour in response to change (e.g., climate or land use), may influence how we decide to manage them. This work is also foundational to the virtual watershed modelling efforts of the project and tool development.

Second, Laura McFarlan, a Master of Environment and Sustainability student at the University of Saskatchewan, shows some of the first findings from our prairie-wide wetland survey. She focuses specifically on concentrations and drivers of phosphorus in wetlands. Laura's project emphasizes that the status of phosphorus in wetlands is linked to the land use surrounding them.

Lastly, Chantel Chizen, a PhD student from the University of Saskatchewan, reviews her proposed research investigating carbon storage in wetland soils. Her project will involve a survey of wetlands in Saskatchewan, as well as a site study on drained wetlands in an area north of Saskatoon. Chantel's work will advance our understanding of how and what wetlands store carbon, and how land management practices may influence this storage.