Cornawll Ontario — There are few more discussed environmental topics these days than the subject of climate change. On Wednesday, October 1st at 7 pm, the River Institute and Transition Cornwall + tackle the topic when they co-host a brand new season of “Science and Nature on Tap” at Schnitzels. It is an especially appropriate topic for the City of Cornwall who recently placed second in Canada’s Community Commuter Challenge, placing just behind North Vancouver for a community of its size.

The guest speaker for the evening is Gary Nielsen, Climate Change Coordinator, from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) offices in Peterborough. Gary graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in Forestry. He subsequently spent several years travelling around the globe in his work as a forester. He eventually settled in eastern Ontario taking on roles as a Management Forester, Stewardship Coordinator, and Supervisor with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

He currently works for MNRF as Climate Change Project Coordinator and has co-authored several publications including “A Practitioner’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation” and “Managing Your Woodlot in a Changing Climate”. Meet Gary and hear his practical advice with respect to addressing the challenges of Climate Change in eastern Ontario.

The new season of the Speakers Series will see a bit of a makeover this fall with a move to a casual café style atmosphere. Now known as Science & Nature on Tap, sessions will be held the first Wednesday of the month in the banquet room of Schnitzels European Flavours, located at 158 Pitt Street in Cornwall. Series Coordinator, Karen Douglass Cooper says, “Partnering with Schnitzels, provides an opportunity for mixing the social aspect with great discussion on topics of interest, giving people a chance to order food and drinks as well.” Douglass Cooper adds, “This session on climate change is not to be missed and we are hoping that those planning to attend might be encouraged to walk, bike, bus, or carpool their way to Schnitzels.”

The series is still free of charge but space is definitely limited so to reserve your spot or if you would like more information please call (613) 936-6620 (ext. 229) or e-mail Karen Douglass Cooper at kcooper@riverinstitute.ca.