New archive offers unique glimpse into BC’s diverse ecosystems

Ian McTaggart Cowan is often referred to as the “father of Canadian ecology.” On June 25, the Cowan Collection will be officially presented to UVic Special Collections and University Archives and includes McTaggart Cowan’s field journals, photographs, lecture notes, articles, books, correspondence and CBC footage from a 75-year multi-faceted career.

As the head and founder of the first university wildlife department in Canada, McTaggart Cowan (1910-2010) revolutionized the way North Americans understood the natural world. His television nature-show programs in the ’50s and ’60s made him a household name around the world and he was responsible for hiring a young David Suzuki, who followed in McTaggart Cowan’s TV footsteps.

His contributions to science and conservation continue to influence the research community in BC and beyond. On and off campus, students and faculty including Dr. Brian Starzomski, the Ian McTaggart Cowan Professor of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration in UVic’s School of Environmental Studies, will study McTaggart Cowan’s archive and digitized field journals firsthand to research a century of environmental change.

UVic Special Collections and University Archives hold rare and unique materials that range from Egyptian hieroglyphics dating to 1085-730 BCE to a script by George Lucas of one of the Star Wars movies.

Media are invited to a special viewing of the Cowan Collection June 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Mearns Centre – McPherson Library. Please contact Susan Henderson at 250-853-3612 or by email at shenders@uvic.cafor more details.

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