Mae Elsinger, M.Sc., P.Ag.
Research in forages, pastures, grasslands; understanding the establishment and suitability of forages; management methods for pastures and native grasslands; and restoration of grasslands and pollinator habitat.
Current research and/or projects
I contribute to research in forage species and mixtures, pollinator habitat plantings, and grazing effects on plants and soils. This aligns with two of our Science Sector Strategies: Forage and Beef, and Agri-Ecosystem Resilience.
Research and/or project statements
I designed and implemented an experiment of native plantings targeted at increasing native bee diversity and abundance, at 4 locations in western Manitoba.
I am Brandon’s local site coordinator in a Prairies-wide research project about native and tame forage mixtures.
As a rangeland and pasture specialist, I lend intellectual support for research projects in Manitoba that require the planting and management of perennial vegetation (e.g. water retention sites, marginal lands), and the understanding of grazing effects on plants and soil.
I assist Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives partners in their research and demonstration projects about summer grazing strategies, pollinator habitat planting, and leafy spurge biological control strategies.
Professional activities / interests
My interests are in observing and understanding grazing systems, forages, pasture ecosystems, native grassland ecosystems, and leafy spurge (an invasive perennial plant).
I have been assisting the Manitoba Envirothon, an environmental science program for highschool students, as an examiner for its regional and provincial competitions.
One thing I like to do in my free time in the summer is reconnoiter Manitoba’s hidden native grasslands, and discover provincially rare native plants.
Education and awards
B.Sc. (Distinction) Environmental and Conservation Science: Land Remediation, Reclamation and Conservation. University of Alberta. 2001
M.Sc. Land Remediation and Reclamation. University of Alberta. 2009.
John Cross Memorial Scholarship. University of Alberta. 2000.
John Cross Memorial Scholarship. University of Alberta. 2001.
Key publications
(2020) AC Saltlander for Western Canada – A Technical Guide. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Kayter, C, Houston, B, Elsinger, M, Svendsen, E, Thiessen. R, Bruhjell, D, Sager, S. [not published yet]
(2018) Manitoba’s Rangeland Plant Communities of the Aspen Parkland and Assiniboine Delta Rangeland Ecoregions - A First Approximation. Pyle, L., Elsinger, M., and K. LaForge. Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association https://www.mfga.net/plant-communities-guide
(2018) Field Guide to Selected Native Forages for the Canadian Prairie Grasslands. LaForge, K., M. Elsinger, B. Bristol, B. Houston, M. Schellenberg, D. Ostrander, R. Antonowitsch, and E. Svendsen. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. http://www.publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.851156/publication.html
(2017) Range and Pasture Health Assessment Workbook; Whidden, R. (ed.); Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association https://www.mfga.net/range-pasture-workbook
(2014) Grazing Response Index: a simple and effective assessment of Grazing Management – K LaForge, M Elsinger, C Kayter (AAFC Factsheet) http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.700147/publication.html
(2018) Manitoba Range and Pasture Health Assessment Initiative: Rangeland Ecoregion and Ecosite information, assessment workbooks, and rangeland plant community guides to facilitate the dissemination of a Range and Pasture Health Assessment Method for Manitoba. https://www.mfga.net/rangeland-pasture-health
AAFC-PFRA Range Condition and Grazing Report Database – species composition and rangeland condition/health assessment data, grazing and stocking rate data. [AAFC internal database]
Research facility
Expertise
Affiliations
Director (ex officio) – Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association
Member – Society for Range Management
Member – Research Advisory Committee – Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives
Member – Manitoba Institute of Agrologists
Examiner – Manitoba Envirothon