Lee Foote

Dr. Lee Foote is a retired Professor of Conservation Biology and former Director (2011-2020) of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, an interdisciplinary research and education facility. He holds a PhD in Ecology, MSc in Wildlife Management, and BS in Forestry. His academic affiliation was with the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES) at the University of Alberta. Dr. Foote specialized in wetland ecology, wildlife habitat management, and conservation biology, with a focus on sustainable resource use and threatened species such as polar bears and lake sturgeon. He was a leader in oil sands reclamation research and policy, including roles in NSERC CREATE Land Reclamation programs and SSHRC grants on digital interpretation of cultural gardens.

Research & Education: His research emphasized wetland restoration, plant physiology in altered environments, and social-ecological systems. He taught courses like Urban Plants: Gardening and Sustainability and Wetland Ecology. He advised graduate students on projects involving plant competition and reclamation strategies.

Awards: Recipient of the Teacher of the Year award (2003-2006) and the William Rowan Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). His work spans over 100 publications addressing conservation policy, wildlife management, and environmental governance.

Contributions: Served on the Alberta Conservation Association Board (2002-2020), Alberta Game Policy Advisory Committee (2015-2020), and co-founded Hunting Angling Network Alberta (HANA). His research bridges ecological science with policy, advocating for integrative approaches to conservation challenges.