The Reindeer Botanist: Alf Erling Porsild, 1901–1977
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Calgary Press
Abstract
This well-researched book is the first biography of one of Canadas most remarkable botanists. Alf Erling Porsild (1901-1977) grew up on the Arctic Station in West Greenland and later served as curator of botany at the National Museum of Canada. He collected thousands of specimens, greatly enlarging the National Herbarium and making it a superb research centre. For nearly twenty years, Porsild studied reindeer activities in Alaska and the Northwest Territories as part of the Reindeer Project designed to encourage grazing animal husbandry among aboriginal peoples. He published extensively, and his meticulous research and observations have particular relevance today with the growing concern over global warming in the Arctic.
Description
Series: Northern Lights Series; 14
Keywords
Porsild, A. E., 1901-1977, Botanists--Canada--Biography, Scientists--Canada--Biography, Botany--Canada, Northern, Reindeer farming--Canada, Northern, Canadian Reindeer Project-- History, National Herbarium of Canada--History
Citation
Dathan, Patricia Wendy. "The reindeer botanist: Alf Erling Porsild, 1901-1977". Series: Northern Lights Series; 14, University of Calgary Press, Calgary, Alberta, 2012.