Islands, such as New Zealand, that have been isolated from major continents for so long, often develop unique animals and plants. That is: until they are discovered by humans. In the case of New Zealand, the first invaders were Polynesians who settled the country between A.D. 1300 and 1350. These ancestors of the Māori brought at least one invasive species with them (other than themselves!) and significantly changed the forested landscape of the islands. However: their impact was miniscule compared with that of the Europeans that invaded in the 19th century. Since 1991, the country has made major efforts to repair some of the damage caused by Europeans both to the natural history and to the Māori people themselves. But, as usual, politics can undo the best of intentions.

Biography: Graham Daborn taught Biology at Acadia from 1973-2004, and intermittently to 2023. He was Director of the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER) from its creation in 1985 to 2004, Acting Dean of Science (1995-6), and initial Director of the Arthur Irving Institute for the Environment. Research has focussed on the natural history of the Bay of Fundy, the effects of tidal power developments, and the prospects for community-based environmental management.

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Every week during the academic semesters, we invite ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual ALLways Learning Series (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series).

We cover topics both big and small in scope, from local to international, and from arts to sciences. We aim to offer lively talks from engaging speakers that anyone in the audience can enjoy. No registration is required.

See the full schedule here!