Leader: Grant Wardell-Johnson
Contributed by Grant Wardell-Johnson
Name: Grant Wardell-Johnson
Job: Senior Lecturer, The School of Natural and Rural Systems Management, The University of Queensland.
Where do you work? Brisbane, Australia
Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Griffith University; Ph.D. (Botany), University of Western Australia; M.Sc., Oxford University (Forestry in relation to land management); B.Sc. (Forestry), Australia National University.
Describe your work:
My areas of expertise include Natural Resource Assessment, Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation. Core skills in Ecology include Ecological Management and Monitoring, as well as Disturbance, Community and Restoration Ecology. I have wide experience in biogeographical survey and impact assessment, particularly of logging and fire, and have published extensively on pattern and scale, and the interactive effects of disturbance. My current research includes biodiversity values in restoration, and linking plants, ecology and culture for landscape planning and management. I was actively engaged in the development of the Windows version of PATN, a renowned multivariate analysis package, used extensively in my research and teaching. I teach Environmental Restoration, Plant Diversity, Ecology & Management of Forest Disturbance, Integrated Landscape Management, and Forest Assessment, and supervise a significant post-graduate program.
What inspires you in your work?
In my research I am inspired to work with wonderful people on exciting projects in beautiful places. I find the high rainfall Mediterranean regions of the earth to fit the bill concerning beautiful places; the landscapes and wildlife occurring there to inspire exciting projects; and the people who are also inspired by these environments to make the most wonderful work colleagues. I also find the challenges facing these environments to keep them as beautiful places also inspires exciting and globally important projects.
What are the highlights of your career accomplishments?
Contributing to conservation in southwestern Australia through research and engagement. I rate my papers in the Mediterranean south-west of Western Australia with Dale Roberts, Pierre Horwitz, Mike Calver, Matt Wiiliams and Steve Hopper to be among my most rewarding.
Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
Because it is an important means of communication, of linkage between people who think it is important to make a difference, and enabling people to see the possibilities for change — the first big step.
How did your early experiences in nature influence you?
I grew up on a farm in the Jarrah forest, was encouraged to appreciate the wonder of nature, and was provided with the opportunity to appreciate nature and to learn.
What are your favorite species and/or landscapes?
I have many favourite species and landscapes in many areas of the world. Below are a few that are special to me from south-western Australia.
Species
Geocrinia alba, G. vitellina, Spicospina flammocaerulea, Anthocercis sylvicola, Eucalyptus jacksonii, E. brevistylis, E. virginea, E. relictua
Landscapes
Soho Hills from Crossing Hill, south-western Australia, the Mt Lindesay area near Denmark, south-western Australia.
Why are you passionate about conservation?
I see the beauty and wonder of the natural world as something to be cherished.
What gives you hope?
That there are many people who are also inspired by the natural world, or who would be inspired if they knew more about it, and who would make commitments to do something important to make a difference.
What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
Photography, walking, traveling.
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