Kate Sherren

Landscapes - People - Global change

Author: k8sherren (Page 1 of 91)

New paper: conceptual models as boundary objects

July 9, 2025 /

The final synthesis conceptual systems diagram for NSERC ResNet L1, included as Figure 3 in the Cornejo et al. (2025) NBS paper.

ResNet Landscape 1 postdoc Lara Cornejo led a great new paper, out this week in Nature-based Solutions, called Using a causal conceptual model of managed dyke realignment as a boundary object promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration and co-production. This paper tells the story of how conceptual models served as critical boundary objects in the Bay of Fundy case study (Landscape 1) of NSERC ResNet, and particularly the final conceptual model (above) based on expert knowledge and empirical project results. The process of building the model is discussed in another recent paper discussed here. This model is different from the baseline model we built at the outset of the project based on pre-/non-ResNet research, that did not include any feedbacks or any decision-making components. This model also has a focus on managed dyke realignment, rather than individual landforms like dykes or tidal wetlands. Thanks to Lara for leading this process!

Congratulations summer 2025 graduates

July 3, 2025 /

Me, Yan and Mike Smit after her IDPhD graduation in June, 2025.

Two weeks ago I enjoyed attending the ‘spring’ graduation (which happened very late this year) to watch our most recent MREM cohort cross the stage, and one MES (they tend to defend in the summer so attend the fall one). IDPhD graduate Dr. Yan Chen also received her degree, after deferring from the fall graduation, and her co-supervisor Mike Smit and I were both on the stage for the event. We also got to bring her back to sit with us for the rest of the ceremony. Another great thrill was having 2002 MES alumna Karen Hudson receive an Honorary Doctorate in the same ceremony, and give the address. We welcomed all the above graduates and their families back in the SRES suite for a reception after the event, sponsored by the Faculty of Science. Congratulations, all! And to those whose stage photos I ended up in, sorry for my tassel malfunction.  Outgoing FGS Dean Marty Leonard didn’t warn me she was going to call me up for official photobombing.  🙂

New paper: Cultural integration of invasive species

June 26, 2025 /
Process diagram showing replacement, coexistence and addition modes of native species relative to invasive.

Modes of cultural integration of invasive species (IS), relative to native species

Really pleased to be part of a new (open access) conceptual paper in npj Biodiversity, Cultural integration of native species. Led by Ivan Jaric and Jonathan Jeschke with a fascinating international team, this paper describes and problematizes the implications of cultures accepting invasive species into their landscapes and livelihoods. The range of disciplines in the writing team prompted rich debates about the issues, which are only more relevant with species ‘on the move’ due to climate change. A few case studies flesh out the paper, showing for instance the impact of the cultural integration of Black locust trees in Hungary, and of prickly pear cactus in a range of different settings. Such cultural integration can limit conservation management options, especially for species not only widely recognized and accepted but that become essential to livelihoods or lifestyles (e.g., food or sport fishing) or culturally iconic (e.g. the Sable Island Horse). We hope that this review helps provide some structure for those dealing with similar issues. Thanks to all the co-authors.

Coastal Zone Canada 2025

June 20, 2025 /

 

Alex Legault presents his work on the Acadian diaspora and dykeland stakeholdership to CZC2025.

Athena Iraji talks about her early findings with Nancy Anningson from TransCoastal.

Four members of my team went to Coastal Zone Canada in PEI last week, and reported an excellent event. Colleagues from TranSECT and TransCoastal also participated in many sessions there. I certainly wish I could have attended, especially after I heard that A. R. Siders was the keynote. Alex Legault (above) presented his work on the Acadian diaspora, including the new plan to put the survey back in the field to try to acquire wider perspectives. Athena Iraji presented a poster on her very first results as she explores whether the timeline of the Coastal Protection Act actually expedited coastal development in the year of its passing. We’re so grateful to CZC for the support they gave Athena to attend this event. Keahna Margeson presented the results of her second PhD paper, which uses survey results around causeway sites in NB and NS to understand what drives support for river restoration. Finally Robin Willcocks Musselman presented the results of her recent paper on place and managed retreat, and introduced her empirical research plan. I hope CZC stops scheduling for the same week as IASNR, so I can attend the next one.

Saltmarsh Breakthrough

June 11, 2025 /

I was a minor contributor to the State of the World’s Saltmarshes 2025 report led by WWF that was launched this week at the UN Oceans Conference in France. The report aims to launch a ‘saltmarsh breakthrough’ similar to the one sparked for mangroves, drawing attention to the importance of saltmarshes in our climate future. My work with TransCoastal Adaptations and NSERC ResNet in the Bay of Fundy has in part explored the human dimensions of these important landscapes in a place where they’ve been largely converted to agricultural use through dyking and draining.

The UN Oceans Conference is just one of the conferences I’m not attending this week.  I had already been torn between the Coastal Zone Canada conference in PEI (where four members of my team are presenting) and the International Association for Society and Natural Resources in Vancouver (which I did register for and plan to attend). However, roots in my sewer line and the inevitable nasty backup mean that I’m here keeping company with members of my insurance company’s remediation team. I’m getting lovely notes from people at both events. I wish I was there, too!

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