The Special Grasslands of BC and Why They are Important with Mike Dedels
Mike will introduce the varied grassland areas of BC and discuss their
importance and major threats. You will learn about the Grasslands
Conservation Council and the many ways that the GCC is working to retain
grasslands and improve their health. This will be followed the next day by a tour of BC grasslands including the rare Oak meadow and terrestrial herbaceous ecosystems of the south coast.
Mike was inspired to go into the Range Program at UBC as grazing is one of the few ways we produce food from nature. After six years in wholesale and retail sales he started with the Ministry of Forests in the Range Program in 1990 and worked for the Provincial government in a number of roles until 2018. He enjoyed the opportunity to work with many leaders in Range Management in government and on the land, and developed a love for the grasslands. Mike then had four years working on invasive plants with the Thompson–Nicola Regional District, including leading a major prevention and control program in the Elephant Hill wildfire area. Mike is a long-time member of the Grassland Conservation Council, including eight years on the Board, with terms as Secretary and Treasurer. He has been under contract as GCC Executive Director since July 2022. Mike has a passion for increasing knowledge of grasslands through outreach to the general public, and collaboration with First Nations, landowners and other NGOs. He has enjoyed getting to know more about coastal grassland ecosystems and their restoration over the last 3 years.
May 15th – 7:00 PM Online via zoom and in person at Beban Park Social Centre Room 2