What is the world's second largest area based on land mass, and the thirty-sixth based on population? It's Canada.  Ron Reuter, Ph.D., of OSU-Cascades’ natural resources program recently explored the Province of Alberta as a fellow of the International Canadian Studies Institute and returned with contemporary insights on Canada and Canadians. Come learn of his discoveries in the Great White North at Oregon State University - Cascades Campus’ “It’s in the Bag” lecture on Wednesday, April 7 when he presents “Canada: It’s NOT part of the US.” .

Reuter was one of 12 university faculty members from Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho selected as a fellow of the International Canadian Studies Institute by the Canadian Consulate General Seattle in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium. The Institute embarked on a 12-day intensive visit to the Province of Alberta in July 2009 where fellows met with academics and officials from the agriculture, oil and energy, mining and health care industries, and from the education, justice, cultural arts, economic development, first nations, and environmental fields.  

Reuter was selected for the Institute in part because forestry, natural resources and sustainability issues are of increasing importance in the U.S. - Canada relationship. He was the first Canadian Studies Institute fellow to be selected from OSU-Cascades.

Following his fellowship, Reuter is working to incorporate the information he gathered into courses that discuss international environmental and sustainability issues.  He also plans to pursue research and teaching opportunities, and student exchanges with Canadian universities that will broaden interaction within Central Oregon.

Reuter joined the faculty of OSU-Cascades in January 2003, has served as program lead for the natural resources program since 2005, and teaches a range of upper level courses, including current issues in natural resources, restoration ecology, wetland ecology, and soil science.  Locally, his research focuses on the management of western juniper ecosystems and the restoration of vernal pools of the high desert.  He has expertise in online education and has authored several publications on the topic of lab-based distance education.  He has published many articles on soils and restoration ecology research; and delivered lectures on soils, restoration ecology, and distance education nationally and internationally.  Reuter’s research projects and collaborative work equate to more than $500,000 in funding from sources including The Mazamas and the National Science Foundation.  

“It’s in the Bag” lectures are free and no reservation is needed. Complimentary beverages will be available. Audience members are asked to pick-up a free parking pass from the main office before parking. For more information visit  http://www.osucascades.edu/lunchtime-lectures or contact 541-322-3100 or info@osucascades.edu.