A little more about the conference ''Water Sampling: Pitfalls and Challenges''

High-quality sampling is the foundation of any reliable assessment of water quality. This presentation will cover the key steps involved in successful sampling, the challenges commonly encountered in the field, and the pitfalls to avoid when analyzing results. We will also explore how environmental conditions, the type of environment, and the parameters selected can influence the interpretation of the data collected.

BIOs

Mat Madison is a well known and greatly respected environmentalist who has been studying Gore’s ecosystems for almost 20 years. He has given generously of his time over the years and has become a great friend and invaluable resource person for both the Alliance and its member associations. As well as heading up his own consulting firm (Caltha), Mat is also president of the OBVRDN ( Organisme de Basin Versant de la rivière du Nord)  

Trained as a biologist and holding a Master’s degree in Microbiology, May Landry has been working for nearly seven years with the Municipality of Gore as an Environmental and Sustainable Development Inspector. Shortly after joining the municipality, she established its annual surface water sampling program, which contributes to the monitoring and protection of local water resources. She is also actively involved in several committees focused on water resource protection, invasive species monitoring, and waste management.

Martin Picard began observing birds at the age of six. At eight, when he received his first pair of binoculars as a gift, he truly fell in love with the fascinating world of birds. At that time, excursions into the fields near his family home allowed him to become familiar with numerous bird species, as well as techniques for approaching, observing, and locating nests. He later added bird photography to his repertoire. As his interest in birds and their habitats continued to grow, he completed his graduate studies at UQAM in 1995, earning a degree in wildlife biology. Martin specializes in ornithology, wildlife management, wildlife inventories, and the study of wetlands. He has worked as a contract biologist since 1995. He is also the Executive Director of Développement ornithologique Argenteuil (DOA), an organization he founded in 2016. DOA’s mission is to promote and protect birds and their habitats across a vast territory of more than 7,500 square kilometres through concrete, hands-on field initiatives.

Mark Romer & Bonnie Soutar began birding while working on degrees in Biology at University of Toronto. They travelled and worked together in the Arctic, where witnessing multitudes of nesting birds ignited a lifelong passion. Joining Bird Protection Quebec helped them learn local birds in the field and get more involved in habitat conservation.

They have since contributed to Birds Canada projects (Breeding Bird Atlases of Quebec & Ontario, Christmas bird counts, Nocturnal Owl Surveys), and submitted over 2,500 e-bird checklists. Since moving to Gore, they have recorded 125 species around their home and assisted in nestbox monitoring with Développement Ornithologique Argenteuil (DOA). Travel just for the birds has become part of thei retirement plans. Mark serves as Biologist on the Lake Ray Association and Bonnie is the current President of Bird Protection Québec.