#esaus18

11/30 - North Stradbroke Island For the conference field trip, I got on a ferry and headed out to North Stradbroke Island (also called Minjeribah or Straddie). I learned a lot about the indigenous history there, and was in awe of the waves crashing on the rocks. The only word I could think of was "violent" but in such an impressive way. #straddie #minjerribah #esaus18 (at North Stradbroke Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq4T4HNH2bC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dl0ci0vctk54

09/29 - esa2018 day 4 Favourite slide: Amy Austin Very groundbreaking research into arid ecosystems' litter decomposition and the importance of the SUN rather than solely biotic intervention. This simple graph tied it together nicely. Favourite talk: Martin Hermy This Belgian biologist took us through his research using a habitat template approach to use natural habitats as templates for species selection in green roof projects. After our last day of lectures, some new conference friends invited us out to some drinks and show! Great fun, but I'm learning that my tolerance for loud, amplified-to-be-ear-shattering type concerts has gone down with age. :p Next time acoustic I think! Next up, the conference field trip to Stradbroke Island! 😁 #esa2018 #esa18 #esaus18 (at Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC)) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqx5Hlkn7v-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ku8ye38ggpn4

11/28 - esa day 3 Favourite photo contest entry: Green Cuckoo Wasp Defensive Curl by Ali Moughnieh (i copied her abstract below) "Cuckoo wasp might seem like they have a stinger, but that's actually a tube that the females use to deliver their eggs into the host's nest. They have a hard integument and they curl their bodies into this position when they feel threatened." Favourite slide: Ryan Keith - Children and Nature in Sydney Ryan's slides that showed specific answers to open ended survey question were fascinating. There were children feeling love, hope, discouragement, fear, and even SELF toward nature. The thing in common was that these young people had independent, thoughtful answers. I wish we'd ask kids what they think more. Favourite talk: Holly Kirk - A simple framework for measuring ecological connectivity in urban landscapes. Every single facet of this project had me chomping at the bit to do it myself. She used GIS in such creative ways and it has such real world impact and need. Love love LOVED it. 😍 #esa2018 #esa18 #esaus18 (at Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC)) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqwDxzPn8ES/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1466zl7jexipi

11/27 - esa2018 day 2 Favourite talk: Morgan Black Learning about her work around Vancouver Island area studying and helping to restore First Nations' clam gardens was inspirational. I love how she married science, community building, and anthropology in her project. Favourite slide: Brad Moggridge Very interesting presentation about incorporating cultural values and perspectives of Australia's First Nations into water planning. This slide showing a different perspective of tributaries is beautiful and provided some deep thoughts on my part. I'd love to hang this in my house some day as a colourful reminder of how complex the natural world can be. #esa2018 #esa18 #esaus18 (at Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC)) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqs2w6tnGr1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mu8g7x56bcru

11/26 - esa2018 day 1 highlights Favourite talk: Mardi McNeil - Algal bioherms created by the calcareous algae Halimeda exist in inter-reef areas of the Great Barrier and are a beautiful, significantly biodiverse, and wholly understudied ecosystem Favourite slide: Chris Dickman - In discussing non-linear ecology, his graph of the Gartner Hype Cycle is so true and the "trough of disillusionment" made me laugh Favourite poster: Leanda Mason - An inspiring collaboration between acclaimed researcher Barbara York Main and Leanda Mason recording the world's oldest spider (in its 40s!!!) After the conference and poster session, Alicia and I went to Les Bubbles Steak House where I had THE BEST steak I've ever had. Very unique place and cant recommend it highly enough. #esa18 #esa2018 #esaus18 (at Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC)) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqqdGUbH9fK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=whf0hboc65t9