Blog Post 1: Observations

• Date: 05-02-2023
• Time: 16:35
• Location: Along the Seine River river bank, Grande Pointe, Manitoba.
• Coordinates: (49.7752624, -97.0382921)
• Weather conditions: Windy weather (gusts up to 38km/h coming from the south). Temperature was -8°C, although with the windchill, it felt like -16°C. Humidity was at 85%. Very sunny, and clear conditions. Snow covered conditions.
• River area behind “The Grande” housing development. Since the river is frozen over, the river bank across is very visible, and accessible. Vegetation is deciduous tree forested, with some grassy plant ground cover, although all ground area is covered by deep snow. It is a humid area, 2-3 ft of snow along the edges of the river. The Seine River is a tributary of the Northern area of the red river, connected by the red river floodway.
• The Seine River in Manitoba provides a comprehensive overview of the history, culture, and ecology of Winnipeg and surrounding areas. The river has long been a vital source of sustenance and livelihood for the many rural communities that inhabit the south east of the province, such as metis and francophone history. Unfortunately, this area is currently threatened by the rapid urban development that is taking place, and which is likely to have a significant impact on the local ecology. There are various measures that have been taken to protect the natural environment and to promote eco-friendly development. As such, the human context of the river examines the relationship between people and nature.  Looking at how human activities have affected the landscape, the flora and fauna, and the culture of the region.
• This specific area of the Seine River, in the housing development area used to be agricultural livestock land, and many people who have built houses here have objects from around this time.

Questions:

• What are the consequences of emerald beetle borer infestations on the local ecosystem?
• Increased urbanization in the area has caused the Seine River to become more polluted, leading to a decrease in the number of fish and other wildlife in the area; What could be some measures placed to protect the fauna and flora of the area?
• How do historical, cultural and ecological contexts influence the development of urban communities in Manitoba? Are there foreseeable consequences to rapid urbanization on the ecosystem in the Seine River?

Government of Mantioba. (n.d.). Field guide: Understanding natural resource values and uses in Manitoba. Retrieved from https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/forest/pubs/forest_lands/field_guide.pdf]

Prefontaine, G., Clouston, K., & Ilagan, J. 2007. Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action Plan. Retrieved from https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Documents/CityPlanning/Parks/Seine-River-Plan.pdf