Upcoming events

The spread of non-native earthworms in the Yukon:

Why we should be careful with these potentially invasive ecosystem engineers 
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Earthworms are some of the most impactful animals on the planet with the ability to transform soils and reshape ecosystems around them. With few exceptions, all the earthworms in Canada are introduced species and they are spreading northward with the help of human activity and possibly climate change. While they can be helpful in gardens and compost bins, unfortunately, earthworms have a range of negative impacts when they wriggle into forests. After years of tracking down worms in the Yukon and across Canada, Stephen Paterson, a PhD student at St Mary’s University, will share what we know – and what we still don’t – about these fascinating subterranean creatures. How do they get around? How far north will they spread? In what ways are they “good” or “bad”? And how should we manage them?
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Who: Stephen Paterson
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Friday, August 21st, Doors open at 6:00, program at 6:30

The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.

​Co-hosted with the Yukon Invasive Species Council and with the support of the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).


​Our most recent lecture

Ground Source Heat Pumps in Whitehorse:
​From Bedrock to Boreholes

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Sarah Newton has been characterizing ground thermal properties in the Whitehorse area to assess the potential for ground source heat‑pump systems for direct‑use heating. This work helps to understand where bedrock and unconsolidated aquifers can support efficient, low‑carbon heating, reducing reliance on diesel‑derived electricity and heating fuels. In this presentation, they shared recent research results—including thermal‑response test data—that inform where and how this technology might be deployed in Whitehorse.
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Who: Sarah Newton
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Sunday, June 28th, Doors open at 5:30, program at 6:00

The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.

​Note - We will be conducting the YSI Annual General Meeting as part of the event. This will take approximately 30 minutes at the outset.
see full presentation here

Sponsors and Partners We'd Like to Thank

Partners in the Research in Progress Lecture Series: Yukon University hosts YSI lectures on the Whitehorse campus and community campuses. Their partnership and support is much appreciated.

Hosts for our Board Meetings: Associated Engineering, and Normandy Living. Their support is appreciated. 

Additional funding to support YSI activities comes from membership fees and donations of services.