For immediate release but not later than Feb. 6, 2010

Information contact: Judy Buehler – (613) 326-0106;

RVFN lecture on biodiversity – its importance and threats

By Judy Buehler

Rideau Valley Field Naturalists

2010 has been proclaimed the Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. On Sunday, February 7^t^h, the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists’ meeting will feature Tobi Kiesewalter, Senior Natural Heritage Education Leader at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, delivering a lecture on the importance of biodiversity and the threats to it.

Biodiversity is defined as the variety of species in the world (1.75 million described to date), the genetic variation within species and the variety of ecosystems. Biodiversity sustains us, provides us with food, fuel, building supplies, medicine; it cleans our air and water, decomposes our waste products, controls pests, pollinates our crops, fertilizes our soil, moderates floods and droughts and stabilizes our climate.

Some scientists believe we are now in the midst of the sixth massive extinction of species that our planet has seen. The difference between this extinction and the previous five is that this one has been caused by humans. Species are being lost at an estimated 50-100 times the natural rate and is predicted to rise.

Come to this meeting to learn more about the importance of biodiversity and the threats to the world’s biodiversity.

The RVFN meeting is open to everyone. It gets underway at 2 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at the Perth and District Indoor Swimming Pool on Wilson Street at Sunset Boulevard. There is a small admission fee of $5.00 for non-RVFN members.

For more information about the RVFN, contact Judy Buehler at 326-0106.