Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre will host two community Science Cafés this month on biodiversity and sustainability issues in Niagara.

Both of these interactive events are free and open to the public, and will take place at Mahtay Café, 241 St. Paul St. in downtown St. Catharines.

“Sustainability in our Region: Why is Biodiversity Important?”
Wednesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m., Mahtay Café, St. Catharines
This café is a coached discussion between local radio host Larry Fedoruk, AM 610 CKTB, and Brock graduate student Shawn Geniole; Deanna Linbalnd, natural heritage systems co-ordinator for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority; and Pete Birrell, environmental officer with General Motors. They will be discussing the importance of biodiversity in Niagara and the opportunities and challenges that exist to protect or restore it.

“Energizing Discussion and Change for a Sustainable Future”
Saturday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m., Mahtay Café, St. Catharines
This café will consist of two presentations and an open discussion about renewable and sustainable sources of energy. Guests include Tom Rankin and Jordan Beekhuis from Rankin Construction (“Renewing Vision: The State of Wind, Hydro, and Solar Energy Generation in Ontario”) and Christina Hoicka, assistant professor of environmental studies, York University (“Communities and Energy Management”).