Sylvia Edlund facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sylvia Edlund
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| Born | August 15, 1945 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | November 15, 2014 (aged 69) Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | Case Western Reserve University University of Chicago |
| Academic work | |
| Institutions | United Nations Geological Survey of Canada |
| Main interests | botanist |
| Notable works | Common arctic wildflowers of the Northwest Territories |
Sylvia Anita Edlund (born August 15, 1945 – died November 15, 2014) was a Canadian botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. She was famous for her work exploring the Arctic. A type of grass found in the Arctic, called Edlund's fescue, was named after her. This was to honor her important contributions to studying plants in the far north.
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Who Was Sylvia Edlund?
Sylvia Edlund was a dedicated scientist. She spent many years studying plants in the cold Arctic regions of Canada. Her work helped us understand more about how plants grow and survive in harsh environments.
Her Early Life and Education
Sylvia was born in Pittsburgh, a city in the United States. Her family had Swedish roots. She grew up in Pittsburgh and later in Ontario, Canada.
Even as a child, Sylvia was often sick. She sometimes had to stay in bed. She chose to study botany because she thought it was a subject she "shouldn't study anything I'd have to chase." This meant she could study plants without needing to run around too much.
She earned her first science degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), from Case Western Reserve University. Later, she earned her PhD in botany from the University of Chicago. A PhD is a very high degree that shows someone is an expert in their field.
Exploring the Arctic
Sylvia Edlund began her career working with a United Nations team. Their job was to make a list of all the plants and animals in the far northern parts of the world.
From 1974 to 1994, she worked for the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). The GSC is a government organization that studies Canada's land and natural resources. During these years, she worked mostly in the Canadian Arctic.
She had to retire from her work in 1994 due to health issues.
What She Discovered
Sylvia Edlund became an expert on how plants are spread out in the Arctic. She understood which plants grew in different areas and why.
She also wrote a book called Common arctic wildflowers of the Northwest Territories. She even drew the pictures for the book herself using watercolors.
Sylvia collected many plants from across the Canadian Arctic. More than 5,000 of these plant samples are now kept at the National Herbarium of Canada. This is like a library for plants, located at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Towards the end of her career, she helped manage the High Arctic Global Change Observatory for the GSC. This observatory studies how the Arctic environment is changing.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring, Sylvia Edlund continued to help others. She volunteered with people who had disabilities. She worked in Ottawa and on Gabriola Island in British Columbia.
She also earned another degree in 2003. This was a Masters in Therapeutic Counselling.
Sylvia Edlund passed away in Nanaimo at the age of 69. She is remembered for her important work in understanding the unique plant life of the Arctic.
