“IN NATURE, EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED”: LYNN SHORT EXEMPLIFIES THE MINDSET OF A LIFELONG LEARNER AND RESEARCHER

by Saran Davaajargal

Lynn Short’s passion for controlling invasive species literally started in her backyard. Twenty years ago, Lynn began to notice how Phragmites australis (common reed), an invasive species in the North American ecosystem, was blocking the area around her beachfront property in Georgian Bay. To preserve the ecosystem, Lynn started trying different methods to control Phragmites. After a few years of experimentation, Lynn developed the Spading Removal Technique, which weakened Phragmites and restored native species without using herbicides.

Lynn’s passion for controlling invasive species has its roots in her lifelong dedication to protecting and preserving the natural environment. In their original settings, these invasive species might not be harmful; however, when introduced to a new environment, they can become invasive and start causing disturbance to the native species that they are not accustomed to. For example, Phragmites often take over wetlands which are essential for the survival of many plants and animals. Such disruption results in a negative ripple effect for the entire ecosystem. Lynn notes:

In nature, everything is connected.

Since discovering the Spading Removal Technique, Lynn has shared it with her neighbours and various local organizations in the wider community. “I’ve travelled to places that I’ve not known before,” says Lynn. Among many of her initiatives, Lynn has worked with EcoSpark, an environmental charity, and the City of Toronto to conduct citizen science research on Phragmites in collaboration with volunteers in Toronto’s parks. In a notable success story, the volunteer team has successfully controlled all the Phragmites found in the Charles Sauriol Conservation Area.

Humber Arboretum

Phragmites

DEDICATION TO SHARING KNOWLEDGE

Lynn’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, Lynn was awarded the Severn Sound Bob Whittam Environmental Award for her contributions to controlling the spread of Phragmites.

Connecting with nature and sharing her knowledge are common threads in Lynn’s career. In a recent initiative at Humber, Lynn worked as a Co-Principal Investigator along with Louise Zimanyi, Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness (FHSW), and CoInvestigators Bora Kim, FHSW, and Lyndsay MacDonald, FHSW, to incorporate the principles of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing (in the Mi'kmaq language) in Humber’s Early Childhood Education curriculum.

By braiding the ways of being, knowing and doing from both Indigenous and nonIndigenous worldviews, Two-Eyed Seeing honours the strengths of the diverse worldviews for the benefit of all. The course takes place within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, known as Adoobiigok, the “Place of the Alders” outdoors in the Humber Arboretum.

The project team explored how a new Early Childhood Education course in Two-Eyed land-based play and co-learning (ECE 234) engages and impacts the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical realities of the learner and faculty. In partnership with the Maamaawisiiwin Education Research Centre (MERC), the investigators allowed students and faculty the opportunity to voice their experiences to assess the course’s impacts.

The research project was awarded a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning funding from Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation.

MAKING FIRE IN THE KELLY KETTLE FOR TEA AND STORYTELLING.

Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Beard

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT

Lynn exemplifies the mindset of a lifelong learner and researcher. In her current role as environmental stewardship specialist, professor of Horticulture in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology and land and culture-based curriculum specialist with Indigenous Education and Engagement, Lynn continues to share her knowledge with the Humber community and beyond. When asked, “Why research?”, Lynn responds:

I love to know how things work and how they connect. I don’t like to accept a non-answer.

Lynn’s most recent project is an investigation of various manual strategies for controlling invasive dog strangling vine (DSV) in partnership with the City of Toronto. Some of the main challenges DSV poses are their competition with existing native plant species and their contribution to the inhibition of forest regeneration by choking out tree seedlings. The dense mats of tangled DSV also make it difficult for animals or humans to travel through infested areas. Additionally, due to the similarity of DSV to plants in the milkweed family, monarch butterflies may lay their eggs on DSV by mistake, which can lead to a decline in the endangered population of monarchs.

While initially scheduled to start in 2020, the project has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the team restarted the project with renewed enthusiasm and dedication. Lynn notes that being outside and doing research in the Humber Arboretum is an added bonus of her project. Lynn says:

Some days, it’s hot. Some days, it’s raining. But every day is a gift.

As part of the project, the research team is testing different approaches to manual control of DSV in the Humber Arboretum without using herbicides. The project is assisted by three Humber students—Sophia Bearden, Bella McWatch, and Lana Hafez.

The research assistants play an important part in the project by setting up the experimental plots, performing various manual control methods, collecting and analyzing the research data and preparing the project summary report. At the end of the project, the research team will be sharing their findings through various channels.

THE RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

For Lynn, giving back to her community is a way of living. Whether she is controlling invasive species or educating the next generation of students, Lynn believes in contributing to her community in meaningful ways. Lynn states, “Picking up a piece of garbage is giving back.” She notes that everyone can give back to their community in big and small ways.

LYNN SHORT EXPLAINS DIFFERENT PLANT SPECIES TO THE HUMBER PRESS TEAM

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

RESEARCH ASSISTANT SOPHIA BEARDEN

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Lynn Short

GET TO KNOW LYNN A LITTLE MORE. HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HER:

Favourite insect: Ambush bugs

Favourite things to do when she is not conducting research: Going for walks, knitting, crocheting and embroidery

Favourite plant to grow indoors when there is not much sunlight: Pothos