Churchill Northern Studies Centre News: CNSC News

Science on the Sea Ice

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:08:00 PM

Join us Sat. May 19 at 1pm behind the complex for our local community event as part of the Science Odyssey celebrations across Canada! Everyone is welcome to this family friendly activity where we will venture out onto the sea ice to learn about the frozen ocean water of Hudson Bay. We will explore the sea ice physical characteristics, sea ice as habitat for marine species and life under the ice. The event location will be subject to weather so watch our social media pages for any alerts on the day in case we need to move the event indoors! www.facebook.com/churchillnsc www.twitter.com/churchillnsc www.instagram.com/churchillnsc

Job Opportunity -Summer Student Seasonal Research Technician

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:04:00 PM

Summer Student Position Seasonal Research Technician This is a paid summer student position with field and laboratory components and is minimum 12 weeks, maximum 16 weeks (tentative start date of May 18). This position will assist with CNSC in-house research, provide assistance harvesting food and maintaining the hydroponic growing unit at the CNSC, provide logistic or field support to visiting researchers, maintain equipment inventories and biological collections, and collect data under contract to Centre clients. This position will also support science outreach and the delivery of general education and youth programming. Experience working in a remote field setting, in excellent physical condition and a willingness to conduct field work through all seasons is necessary. Flexible scheduling and on-call duties required. Experience in specimen identification (plants, vertebrates and invertebrates), off road vehicle operation (ATVs and snow machines) and a valid firearms possession/acquisition license (PAL) would be a definite asset. Must qualify for Canada Summer Jobs funding including being between the ages of 18 – 30 and have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year in the. Detailed job description and salary available by request. Please submit a detailed resume by email, fax or regular post no later than April 17, 2018 to the address indicated below. Hiring Committee Churchill Northern Studies Centre P.O. Box 610 Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Fax: (204) 675-2139 Email: research@churchillscience.ca

Job Opportunity - Program Coordinator

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:47:00 PM

The CNSC is looking for a new permanent full-time employee to take on the managerial position of Program Coordinator. Check out the attached job posting for more info and a detailed job description is posted on our webpage here: churchillscience.ca/employment-opportunities

2018 NRF Call for Proposals

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 08:31:47 AM

Regular Call for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2018 The Northern Research Fund (NRF)Northern Research Fund (NRF) provides opportunities for research in the sciences, social sciences and humanities with emphasis on northern issues. The goal of this program is to enhance field research by professionals working out of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). The NRF is available to research projects that will lead to increased knowledge relevant to the people living in the North, particularly in the Churchill region. The NRF is a matching funds program, meaning the award takes the form of matching user- and vehicle-days (as available) for successful applicants, to offset the cost of accommodation at the CNSC. Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply; priority for funding is given to new researchers and students. The NRF 2018, available through the application process, is anticipated to consist of 250 user days and 100 vehicle days. For more information, including the application and program guidelines, please go to: www.churchillscience.ca. The application deadline is January 12, 2018. Special Calls for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2018 In addition to the regular 2018 call for proposals, the CNSC is issuing a special call for research projects in the following category. Potential applications are eligible for the standard NRF program, as well as the special call. Please complete only one application per project. 1. Manitoba Conservation Polar Bear Research funding As part of a long-term commitment to the Churchill region, Manitoba Conservation is partnering with the NRF program to support research programs regarding polar bears that meet the following criteria: 1) The project should directly involve graduate students and funding through this special call is meant to provide financial assistance to graduate students 2) The project should be applied research that relates to the function of the Polar Bear Alert program in the Town of Churchill and surrounding regions. The project may also be curiosity based research if it is a component of a broader multi-year research project that results in a management application 3) The project should focus on the sustainability of the Western Hudson Bay polar bear population. Applicants will use the standard NRF application form. Please indicate in the relevant space that you wish to be considered for the “Manitoba Conservation” special call. Potential awards include accommodation (user days) and vehicle support (vehicle days) at the Centre and monetary support. Successful recipients will be required to recognize the supplemental funding on publicly displayed materials and provide an NRF research report at the end of the annual funding cycle. Information about Funding Institutions The goal of the Northern Research Fund (NRF) is to enhance research conducted by researchers using the facilities and services of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). The fund is available to assist researchers in meeting the financial needs of projects that will lead to increased knowledge relevant to the people living in the North, particularly in the region around Churchill. The CNSC appreciates the long-term financial support of Manitoba Conservation for this program.

Belugas in the Bay: Through the Camera Lens

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 01:38:00 PM

Not Throwing Away My Shot: Wildlife Photography and the Opportune Moment By Karin Murray-Bergquist The click of cameras, and the splash of waves, sound through the air as the current Learning Vacation gets under way. Belugas in the Bay: Through the Camera Lens is a five-night-long whale adventure, combining photography and marine biology as means to observe these toothed, but hardly ferocious, animals. But observing the whales and finding the right photo opportunity are two distinct challenges, requiring both attention and skill. Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are distinctive creatures: their ability to turn their heads from side to side is unusual in a whale, whose cervical vertebrae are usually fixed, and they can swim backwards, another rare trait. They are naturally playful, curious, and agile, not to mention talkative. Despite having no vocal cords, they can produce sound through their blowholes as well as through their mouths, using the fat deposits in their heads to direct it. Their nickname, ‘canaries of the sea,’ attests to their range of sound – the squeaks, chirps, and clicks by which they interact. On our estuary tour aboard zodiac boats the captain deployed hydrophones to broadcast the underwater soundtrack. The next water-based excursion the belugas’ characteristic noises were not noted as we kayaked around the Churchill River in search of them, but they did surface several times, playing with the rudders of the boats and blowing bubbles under the water. Being close to belugas in the wild is a study in surprises. Like any wildlife, their movements are only partially predictable, and their reaction to the presence of humans varies with many factors. Watching underwater wildlife adds an element of uncertainty, especially when water clarity is low, and belugas can surface seemingly out of nowhere. The young whales were curious: their grey backs broke through the waves right beside the kayaks, exhaling in a short puff of spray. The adults stayed, for the most part, further away, and with a bit of wishful thinking, every whitecap could be mistaken for the back of a beluga far off in the distance. (The temptation to cry ‘Flukes!’ is overwhelming but inaccurate – these whales only rarely lift their tails out of the water.) The migration path of the western Hudson Bay beluga population takes the whales northward in the winter, to feed on Arctic and polar cod in Hudson Strait. Kristin Westdal, marine biologist and Learning Vacation instructor, has been working with this group of whales for several years, tracking individual animals to learn of their migration patterns. Just as illustrative are the accounts of elders in northern communities, who provide a link to previous generations through stories passed down from their parents. The presence of the predatory orcas, in the high arctic regions, goes back several generations, as evidenced in oral tradition and art. In the Hudson Bay region, however, these whales are a much newer phenomenon. With less sea ice to block their passage, and a tempting concentration of belugas to hunt, they have been seen far more frequently of late, and the stories about them are fewer and more recent. Belugas themselves have been hunted by Inuit communities for centuries, pursued among other things for their maktaaq – the blubber that makes up 40% of their bodies, and is often described as mamaqtuq, meaning ‘delicious.’ The whales’ preference for ice means that, like their close relative the narwhal, they are present in the Arctic throughout the year. Still, with their resemblance to the ice and the brief time they spend at the surface, they would make a difficult quarry. It certainly holds true when seeking them with a camera. Chris Paetkau, founder and CEO of Build Films as well as Learning Vacation instructor, encourages the group to rise to the challenge. Every evening, Kristin’s talk on the science of belugas is followed by Chris’s talk on photography, specifically of wildlife and whales. Seeing Chris’s spectacular underwater shots can seem daunting, but his instructions are clear: watch for your moment, and get up close. No matter what kind of camera you have from cell phone to professional, it’s possible to compose a good shot. Technique matters just as much as opportunity. Over the course of their stay, guests will hone the art of finding their moment. Every day brings new adventures, and with them, new points of curiosity. In photography and science alike, the power of observation counts for much, and there’s no better way to learn that than going out among the whales. Photograph by Evan Roberts Karin Murray-Bergquist is a writer, a sailor, and a Masters of Arts in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies. She is spending the summer in Churchill after studying at the University of Iceland. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre has just opened registration for next year's Learning Vacation- Belugas in the Bay: Through the Camera Lens. The program will run from June 22 - 27, 2018. We also have another Beluga program running from July Visit our website www.churchillscience.ca/events to enroll or email for further details: cnsc@churchillscience.ca -20% of the program tuition is all that's required to ensure your reservation for an incredible experience!

Spring's Wings in Full Swing

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 03:33:00 PM

Spring’s Wings in Full Swing By Karin Murray-Bergquist It’s the golden hour of Churchill weather: the temperature is above zero every day, the sun is shining, but the mosquitoes have not yet poked out of the ponds. The reasonable temperatures and non-buggy conditions make it the ideal season for birdwatching, and this week, the Spring’s Wings Learning Vacation took full advantage of that opportunity. Among the species sighted was a parasitic jaeger, a piratical predatory bird with a lazy streak: according to special presenter Tim Poole, its attitude boils down to ‘Why do the work yourself when you can get someone else to do it for you?’ Along with preying on the chicks of various species, it thrives off stealing the fruits of their labours, chasing other birds until they drop their catch. Despite their tyrannical behaviour, they are graceful fliers, distinctively pointed tails extending like the nib of a fountain pen. Tim and local bird expert Bonnie Chartier were overjoyed to spot an American golden plover on the day of their presentation at CNSC. One of several plover species to breed in the Churchill region, it is ordinarily a common sight, but this year, had proved unusually elusive. It is a well-travelled bird, wintering in South America and breeding in the tundra. Though well-adapted to shoreline habitats, its migration route leads it far inland, foraging in the short-grass prairies of central Canada and the United States. The habitats it frequents, however, are under threat from both climate change and development, something that initiatives such as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) seek to address. IBAs identify regions on which 1% or more of a given bird species rely, promoting efforts to study and protect those places, and encouraging birders to contribute their observations, photographs, and ideas. In many ways, birdwatching captures the spirit of citizen science. It is open to everyone with the time and interest to learn how to identify species, and it is international by nature, birds being indifferent to human borders. The arrival of migrants signals the change of seasons, and from Darwin’s finches to their link with dinosaurs, birds have played an important part in how we understand the world throughout time. One can get to know birds nearly anywhere – backyard gardening, mountaineering, walking or biking to work – and they can be a casual interest, a lifelong passion, or somewhere in between. The resources of the birding community are extensive, but easy to use. The database eBird is aimed at collecting data from across the globe to establish both birding hotspots and population trends, helping to inform conservation efforts. Similarly, iNaturalist collects observations of birds and beyond, including an element of species identification, which connects observers with experts who can provide detailed information. For quick details on a certain bird species, the Audubon Field Guide and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology both provide user-friendly, straightforward pages on North American birds; the former includes a map predicting the effects of climate change on habitat and population. There is an incredible breadth of information available, and the technology to access it is forever changing. Birding apps are making backpacks lighter by removing the need for a guidebook, and the availability of recordings makes it easier to identify birds by ear. The CBC broadcast ‘Tweet of the Week’ and the BBC’s ‘Tweet of the Day’ had playful variations on this, in which a few bars of birdsong were followed by an expert’s explanation and choice details on the bird in question. Of course, the best way to learn is out in the field, and that is what brings the birders to Churchill and to the CNSC. Guided by Rudolf Koes, experienced birder and nature educator, they spend several hours each day, over the course of their stay, looking for birds. We’re all looking forward to hearing about their next exciting finds! Karin Murray-Bergquist is a writer, a sailor, and a Master of Arts in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies. She is spending the summer in Churchill after studying at the University of Iceland. The Churchill Northern Studies Centre has just opened registration for next year’s Spring’s Wings Learning Vacation running from June 7 – 12, 2018. Visit our website www.churchillscience.ca/events to enroll or email for further details: cnsc@churchillscience.ca –don’t delay space is limited to just 9 participants and typically sells out!

NRF 2017 Call for Proposals

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 03:06:02 PM

Regular Call for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2017The Northern Research Fund (NRF)Northern Research Fund (NRF) provides opportunities for research in the sciences, social sciences and humanities with emphasis on northern issues. The goal of this program is to enhance field research by professionals working out of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). The NRF is available to research projects that will lead to increased knowledge relevant to the people living in the North, particularly in the Churchill region. The NRF is a matching funds program, meaning the award takes the form of matching user- and vehicle-days (as available) for successful applicants, to offset the cost of accommodation at the CNSC. Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply; priority for funding is given to new researchers and students. The NRF 2017, available through the application process, is anticipated to consist of 250 user days and 100 vehicle days. For more information, including the application and program guidelines, please go to: www.churchillscience.ca. The application deadline is January 20, 2017 Special Call for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2017 In addition to the regular 2017 call for proposals, the CNSC is issuing a special call for research projects in the following category. Potential applications are eligible for the standard NRF program, as well as the special call. Please complete only one application per project. 1. Manitoba Conservation Polar Bear Research funding As part of a long-term commitment to the Churchill region, Manitoba Conservation is partnering with the NRF program to support research programs regarding polar bears that meet the following criteria: 1) The project should directly involve graduate students and funding through this special call is meant to provide financial assistance to graduate students 2) The project should be applied research that relates to the function of the Polar Bear Alert program in the Town of Churchill and surrounding regions. The project may also be curiosity based research if it is a component of a broader multi-year research project that results in a management application 3) The project should focus on the sustainability of the Western Hudson Bay polar bear population. Applicants will use the standard NRF application form. Please indicate in the relevant space that you wish to be considered for the "Manitoba Conservation" special call. Potential awards include accommodation (user days) and vehicle support (vehicle days) at the Centre and monetary support. Successful recipients will be required to recognize the supplemental funding on publicly displayed materials and provide an NRF research report at the end of the annual funding cycle.

Field Course Opportunity at the CNSC!

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:03:21 AM

The Hudson Bay Coast Northern Fiedl School is currently looking for participants! Join a credit course that provides the opportunity to spend time at the CNSC, and in Wapusk National Park, learning about this unique and fragile ecosystem. For more information, see the website! http://northernfieldschool.wix.com/home

Northern Research Fund Call for Proposals 2016

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 01:32:00 PM

Regular Call for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2016 The Northern Research Fund (NRF)Northern Research Fund (NRF) provides opportunities for research in the sciences, social sciences and humanities with emphasis on northern issues. The goal of this program is to enhance field research by professionals working out of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). The NRF is available to research projects that will lead to increased knowledge relevant to the people living in the North, particularly in the Churchill region. The NRF is a matching funds program, meaning the award takes the form of matching user- and vehicle-days (as available) for successful applicants, to offset the cost of accommodation at the CNSC. Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply; priority for funding is given to new researchers and students. The NRF 2016, available through the application process, is anticipated to consist of 250 user days and 100 vehicle days. For more information, including the application and program guidelines, please go to: www.churchillscience.ca. The application deadline is December 21, 2015. Special Calls for Proposals Northern Research Fund (NRF) 2016 In addition to the regular 2016 call for proposals, the CNSC is issuing a special call for research projects in the following category. Potential applications are eligible for the standard NFR program, as well as the special call. Please complete only one application per project. 1. Manitoba Conservation Polar Bear Research funding As part of a long-term commitment to the Churchill region, Manitoba Conservation is partnering with the NRF program to support research programs regarding polar bears that meet the following criteria: 1) The project should directly involve graduate students and funding through this special call is meant to provide financial assistance to graduate students 2) The project should be applied research that relates to the function of the Polar Bear Alert program in the Town of Churchill and surrounding regions. The project may also be curiosity based research if it is a component of a broader multi-year research project that results in a management application 3) The project should focus on the sustainability of the Western Hudson Bay polar bear population. Applicants will use the standard NRF application form. Please indicate in the relevant space that you wish to be considered for the “Manitoba Conservation” special call. Potential awards include accommodation (user days) and vehicle support (vehicle days) at the Centre and monetary support. Successful recipients will be required to recognize the supplemental funding on publicly displayed materials and provide an NRF research report at the end of the annual funding cycle.

NRF Call for Proposals to be released next week

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:37:28 AM

Interested in conducting research at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre? The Northern Research Fund (NRF) call for proposals will be released next week. For more information click here

Annual Report 2014/2015 Now Available!

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 12:00:00 AM

The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is pleased to make avaliable our 2014/2015 Annual Report! See some of what we've been up to this past year!

August 30 2015 is CNSC Day!

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 03:13:42 PM

On the last Sunday in August we will be celebrating at the CNSC! A free shuttle will be departing from Gypsy's at:12:30PM2:30 PM 3:30PM. There will be a BBQ, with hotdogs served up by your local board members! We will be holding a yard sale to get rid of some stuff that turned up during our spring cleaning! There will be science programming for all ages including, a marine education program, building tours, a microscope session, and stations in the lab showing some current research!and finally, Cake! We'll see you there!

Employment Opportunity!

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 01:37:00 PM

Program Coordinator Starting salary range $41,842 – $45,328 (plus $3,600 housing allowance per annum) This full-time, Churchill-based position is responsible for the delivery of educational programming to a broad range of clientele of varied age and educational background, from young children to elder citizens. These expert-led programs focus on the rich biological, historical, and cultural diversity of the Churchill region. Qualified applicants will have post-secondary training (or equivalent experience) in education, tourism & recreation studies, or similar fields and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with budgeting, marketing and social media as a communications tool would be a definite asset. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing and highly organized. Must hold (or be willing to obtain) certificates in basic first-aid and CPR, use of firearms for protection against wildlife, a Manitoba Class 4 (van/small bus) driver’s license and be willing to submit a criminal background check. Residency in Churchill is required. Please submit a detailed resume by email, fax or regular post no later than February 2, 2015 to the address indicated below. Further information, including a detailed job description, is available at www.churchillscience.ca or by emailing the Centre. Hiring Committee Churchill Northern Studies Centre P.O. Box 610 Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Fax: (204) 675-2139 Email: hiring@churchillscience.ca

NRF 2015 Deadline Announced!

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:00:00 AM

This is a reminder that the deadline for applications for the 2015 Northern Research Fund is December 8, 2014. Further information and an application form can be found by clicking "Funding Opportunities" under the "For Researchers" tab on the website or by following this link.

NRF 2014 Deadline Fast Approaching!

Tue, 12 Nov 2013 10:39:00 AM

This is a reminder that the deadline for applications for the 2014 Northern Research Fund is November 18, 2013. Further information and an application form can be found by clicking "Funding Opportunities" under the "For Researchers" tab on the website or by following this link.

Employment Opportunity

Tue, 03 Sep 2013 09:29:35 PM

Seasonal Research Technician Internship Deadline: September 9, 2013

Dr. John Smol Awarded 2013 Weston Family Prize

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:06:21 AM

ACUNS, together with The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, is delighted to announce Dr. John Smol as the annual recipient of the Weston Family Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Northern Research. See full press release at www.acuns.ca

2013 Research in Action Bus Tour

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:13:00 PM

Thursday July 11, 2013 Learn more about some of the exciting research happening at the CNSC. Bus departs Gypsy's at @ 7pm, visits research sites and the CNSC, returns around 10 pm. Please phone the Centre to book your spot, free of charge.

CNSC Research Staff Blog

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:08:00 AM

Stay in touch with updates from the staff and volunteers of the CNSC Science Department! Learn more about research in the Churchill region through guest posts direct from the field. Visit: www[dot]churchillscience[dot]blogspot[dot]ca

New CNSC Website

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:30:00 AM

Welcome to our new website! Please take a moment to let us know what you think and don't forget to report any problems or glitches you encounter. Note: some features and graphics may not load properly with older browsers.