We had 36 people attend our March meeting, with guest speaker Dr. Rosemary Martin.
The event provided a fascinating glimpse into how dragonflies and other aquatic insects survive the winter, as well as the potential impact of climate change on these important ecological communities. Dr. Rosemary “Rosie” Martin led attendees through a captivating discussion of her PhD research on overwintering aquatic invertebrates and the surprising activity of ecosystems beneath the ice of ponds and lakes during the winter months.
Dr. Martin shared insightful results from her research, including how under-ice physical conditions determine which species survive, who stays active, and how these factors influence food webs and community structures in the following seasons. Attendees were also treated to impressive under-ice video footage captured in local Ontario ponds, offering a rare and intimate look into this hidden winter world.
Rosie, who recently defended her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga, explained how much of her research was conducted at the Koffler Scientific Reserve, U of T’s field research station near Newmarket. Currently a postdoctoral research fellow at Michigan State University, she is studying the physiology and energetics of overwintering dragonflies.
The event provided a unique opportunity to learn about the incredible survival strategies of aquatic insects and explore the potential effects of climate change on these ecosystems. It was an eye-opening experience for all who attended.
