On a recent episode of CBC Radio’s The Sunday Magazine, professor emeritus of biology Dr. Doug Larson recalled finding a patch of ancient cedars on the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario and explained its significance when it comes to understanding nature. 

“Every piece of nature that is still running under our own rules is a piece of nature we have to learn from,” he said. “We have to be patient and humble in the face of nature, and let nature teach us how to be sustainable.” 

Larson addressed the research question “Why is it that plants can survive in extreme environments that are largely unsuitable for humans?” while teaching at the College of Biological Science in the Department of Integrative Biology.