Free or by donation, please rsvp

Join us for an educational and inspiring talk about nature, community, and healing with Sarah Elmeligi, a passionate advocate for nature, women, and conservation. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a top expert and join a fascinating conversation. The event will take place this Saturday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m., at Sparrow Artspace, hosted by Artists in Residence Milena Vasquez and Maya Corona.

Themes to be Explored:

• Women: Celebrating the role of women in environmental advocacy and conservation.

• Nature: Exploring our connection to the natural world and its impact on our well-being.

• Conservation: Discussing strategies for preserving our planet's precious ecosystems.

• Safety in Trails: Navigating the importance of safety measures in outdoor exploration.

• Botany and Research Practices: Discovering the fascinating world of botanical research and its significance in conservation efforts.

• Nature, Community, and Healing: Understanding how nature and community support healing processes.

• Mental Health, Grieving, Finding Solace in Nature: Reflecting on the therapeutic benefits of nature during times of grief and mental health challenges. 

Sarah Elmeligi, PhD, has focused her career on the ecology and conservation of large landscapes in Alberta and British Columbia. Her graduate research combined different scientific fields of knowledge to understand the impacts of recreation on grizzly bear habitat use and behaviour, as well as visitor perceptions of impact and support for management actions. Working in the environmental non-profit sector, Sarah has helped create new protected areas, improve land management, and effectively engage communities in conservation. Sarah examines landscapes holistically, aiming to create management recommendations that balance biological, social, and cultural needs. Her first full-length book, What Bears Teach Us, weaves the science of bear behaviour with the realities of wildlife management to discuss coexistence. She believes in the inherent value of wilderness and wildlife management is usually people management. Last May, she was elected as the NDP MLA for Banff-Kananaskis. In addition to serving her constituents, she is the critic for Environment, Parks, and Tourism. She believes that science needs to play a larger role in political decision-making. She lives in Canmore with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.