Project reveals biodiversity bonanza
The red-spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) is among more than 2,000 species of wildlife documented on campus by Western’s new biodiversity inventory project. The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), host plant for this butterfly, is prominent among the gardens recently installed on UC Hill. The inventory captures an astounding range of species—some rare or at-risk — using photographs taken by observers and uploaded to the iNaturalist app.
Free course empowers climate change action
Western’s new, award-winning Connecting for Climate Change Action course brings together Indigenous knowledge and Eurowestern science to educate and motivate action on climate change. The second session of this free, open course will be available for adult learners through Coursera in January 2024.
Charging up campus
As part of a $1.45-million upgrade jointly funded by Western and Natural Resources Canada, 74 new electric vehicle charging stations will be spread across campus over the next two years, from parking lots to the fleet and facilities garage and residence buildings.
A culinary revolution
Western’s dining hall menus are now 43 per cent plant based. In May, the university hosted the Humane Society International’s Forward Food program, where culinary teams learned to make egg salad sandwiches and French toast without the eggs, trim the meat from traditional beef, pork and chicken offerings and create meals solely using plants — all without sacrificing flavour. “We’re meeting the demand from our students, in terms of widening the variety on our menu, but also responding to what aligns with Western’s values,” says Colin Porter, director of hospitality services.
