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Fowl language: AI is learning to analyze chicken communications to help us understand what all the clucking’s about
Dal researchers are appliing artificial intelligence (AI) to decode the language of chickens. It’s a project that’s set to revolutionize our understanding of these feathered creatures and their communication methods, offering a window into their world that was previously closed to us. .

Have we reached the end of nature? Our relationship with the environment is in crisis
Derek Lynch a Professor of Agronomy and Agroecology reflects on the fact that there are no unaltered ecosystems on earth and that they are being pushed past tipping points of collapse at a faster rate. Read the Dal News story about ecosystem collapse.

5-year study to look at how move to ecological methods affects N.S. forests, economy
A group of researchers led by ������ is studying how shifting to an ecological forestry model will affect Nova Scotians and the environment. The research team will look at the effects on biodiversity, the economy, carbon sequestration and recreation over the next five years.

Humans exact 'supersized' toll on world's ecosystems, international study finds
Dr. Boris Worm, a marine ecologist and Killam Research Professor at ������, co-authored the global study, which is the largest of its kind. One of the most significant findings was how many different species are exploited by humans. As a result, the ecological roles these species perform in ecosystems are under threat from human use. Read the Dal News story about how humans exploit ecosystems.

Dal postdoc predicts health of soil — one of nature's 'storage lockers' for carbon
By determining how long a compound will persist in the soil, researchers, like Dr. Shu, can develop soil management practices that promote sustainable agricultural production and minimize negative impacts on the environment. Dr. Shu is working to help Atlantic Canadian farmers better assess land use management to increase crop production. Read the Dal News story about soil management practices.

Building a better world with the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples
The project, titled Ărramăt will empower Indigenous Peoples to address issues such as food security, human-wildlife management, and the decolonization of science. Led by Dr. Pictou, ��Ů����’s Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Governance,  Ărramăt will involve more than 150 Indigenous organizations, universities, and other partners. Read the Dal News story about Ărramăt.

Knowledge transfer aimed at changing behaviour and thought
The examines the impact of urban growth and change upon natural features & human wellbeing and uses the findings in order to integrate knowledge, influence policy, and sustain ecosystem services.

They're tiny, they're everywhere, and they're critical to life on Earth
MicroScape is an initiative out of ��Ů����’s that is led by volunteer faculty, researchers, and professional scientists to deliver experiential learning of the microbial world to youth ranging from kindergarten to Grade 12. Read the Dal News story about MicroScape's three-year strategy to reach 3,000 youth and more than 200 teachers through public events, high-school project-based learning, garden-based camps, teacher professional development, and classroom workshops.

Developing a green thumb — and then some: Dal program cultivates master gardeners
Extended Learning supports nearly 300 Master Gardener students every year who go on to play an important role as volunteers across Canada helping to build resilient communities. Read the Dal News story about how the Master Gardener Summer School supports those who contribute to community gardens, hospitals, elementary and high school programs, and more.

Truro Campus Rock Garden receives international accolades
The Truro Rock Garden is one of the two largest rock gardens in Atlantic Canada and is one of the most significant horticultural features in Eastern Canada. Horticulture and wood construction students play a large role in contributing to the garden, which recently received the Frank Cabot Public Garden Award during the North American Rock Garden Society annual conference held on the Truro campus this year. Read about the Rock Garden in Faculty of Agriculture news.

Bridge Into Agriculture: A Program for African Nova Scotians
Hosted by the Extended Learning Department of the ������ Faculty of Agriculture, Bridge Into Agriculture will help bridge the gap between African Nova Scotian communities and agriculture through a 22-week online course that includes growing a small vegetable garden. Read about the Bridge into Agriculture program in Faculty of Agriculture news.

Lessons from the land: Dal's SuperNOVA teams up with Indigenous educational group for first land‑based STEM camp
The program is free of charge and offers students unique learning opportunities across a rich landscape. From studying fish life cycles along traditional Mi’kmaw waterways to applying engineering concepts while building a sweat lodge, activities will use nature as a guide, recognizing the inherent connection that Indigenous peoples have always had with the land. Read the Dal News story about the land-based STEM camp.

Where Ideas Meet Impact: In business to build a better apple
Leveraging unique genome mapping research from ��Ů����’s Faculty of Agriculture, startup Foodimprover is set to transform the global fruit sector’s ability to rapidly improve the taste, shelf life and resilience of our favourite fruits and berries. Read the Dal News story about turning apple research into enterprise.

Helping nourish garden and community
The Garden Box was created by the Faculty of Agriculture to provide freely accessible, scientifically credible, gardening information. The compilation of factsheets and workshop guides are made available to the public on our website, free of charge.