A nesting pair of ravens at Concordia's Loyola Campus is offering a rare glimpse into how urban biodiversity is taking shape.
The birds have established a nest on the Psychology (PY) Building, where they are preparing to raise their young through the spring and early summer.
Jackie Martin: "Biodiversity is not just about planting it's also about learning how to share space with wildlife." | Photo by Paul Eifert
As a highly adaptable and intelligent species, they can take advantage of urban environments when conditions are right offering a visible, real-time example of how these spaces can support wildlife.
That presence reflects the ecological conditions developing on campus.
"There's enough of a food web in place from plants to insects to small animals to support them," says Jackie Martin, urban agriculture and biodiversity coordinator in the Office of Sustainability.
As the young birds begin to explore beyond the nest in the coming weeks, activity around the site may increase.
A growing ecosystem
In recent years, Concordia has introduced a range of biodiversity initiatives across its campuses, including tree planting, no-mow zones, urban agriculture projects and new garden spaces.
These efforts are designed to support a wider range of plant and animal life and contribute to more complex urban ecosystems.
"These kinds of changes happen over time," Martin says. "It's the result of many small shifts that make the space more supportive for different species."
While it is not possible to attribute the ravens' presence to any single initiative, their decision to nest on campus aligns with these broader efforts.
The nesting period also presents an opportunity for the Concordia community to learn more about urban wildlife and how to coexist with it. Ravens are not typically aggressive, but they may become protective of their nests, particularly when chicks hatch and begin learning to fly.
Community members are encouraged to keep a safe distance and give the birds space during this temporary period.
"This is part of what it means to support biodiversity," says Martin. "It's not just about planting it's also about learning how to share space with wildlife."
A sign of what's to come
Concordia is currently developing a new Sustainability Action Plan, which will place a stronger emphasis on biodiversity as a core area of focus, with additional initiatives planned in the coming years.
The presence of a nesting pair of ravens may be a small moment, but it offers a tangible way for the community to see these efforts in action.
"It makes biodiversity visible," says Martin. "It helps people connect what we're doing on the ground with the kinds of changes we hope to see over time."
Learn more about biodiversity and urban agriculture on Concordia's campuses.
