More and more people are waking up to the idea that climate change and the loss of nature (i.e. biodiversity and ecosystems) is real and we need to become better stewards of our planet. Leading many to seek out careers in the environmental field. It is a growing field that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon but it can be a tough one to break into. Hear from top professionals and new professionals alike about how they broke into the industry and what it’s really like to work in the environmental field. Welcome to the wild world of environmental careers.
Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity
Today we sit down with Lexi Armstrong. Lexi is an Assistant Conservation Biologist for the Invasive Species Program at the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Lexi talks about her journey becoming a conservation biologist and what she loves most about her current position! Tune in this week as we learn how she uses her passion for nature to eradicate invasive species and make room for regeneration of native species. Check out our website!Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Today we sit down with Josie Vayro. Josie is a primatologist by trade and a former instructor at Thompson Rivers University and Calgary University. And has most recently transitioned from academia into the world of consulting. Tune in this week as we learn how she uses her background and passion for nature to address both the biological and social aspects surrounding modern conservation issues! Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Today we are joined by Aranya Iyer, Associate Specialist for World Wildlife Fund for Nature Canada. Aranya is also a co-founder of Field Research and Ecology and Evolution Diversified or FREED for short! Aranya is working hard to limit the barriers for indigenous, black or racialized communities by organizing field trips to help undergraduate students gain valuable skills for their careers! Tune in to hear about all the great things Aranya is up to! Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Today were are joined by Stefan Weber the National Seed Strategy Coordinator at the Canadian Wildlife Federation. By promoting ecosystem restoration, native plant re-vegetation, and combatting "plant blindness", Stefan's work is bringing native Canadian plant species to the conservation forefront! Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Emily currently works at St. Clair Region Conservation Authority as Stewardship Communications Technician. She helps create wetland, forest and grasslands in the St. Clair watershed and even helps with Species At Risk Work! Emily also has a TV show on Rogers TV called Learn with Ranger Em, definitely check her out there! Ranger Em - YouTubeSt. Clair Region Conservation Authority (scrca.on.ca)Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Tune into this episode to hear from Alejandro about his time working in the environmental field from a Marketing perspective. Also hear about his time on the ELB board and experiences running APC Wildlife Photography. https://news.mongabay.com/Follow Alejandro on Instagram here: @apcwildlife15 Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bailey-environmental-consulting-inc./Bailey Environmental Consulting Inc.Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Scales Nature Park | Reptiles And Amphibians | OntarioCheck out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
ELB welcomes two new hosts for season 5 Alex Legere and Kandyce Affleck! Our new hosts begin with turning the magnifying glass inwards interviewing our very own Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity Chair and past podcast host Meredith Meeker. This week Meredith chats with us about her experiences within ELB, her current Master's at Carleton University, and past work experiences. Check out our website! Home (el4biodiversity.ca)Follow us on social media @el4biodiversity for more updates and events!
Before starting his career at MNRF, Brian worked as an environmental engineer for six years. He then got his law degree and, for the past 28 years, has worked for the province of Ontario prosecuting natural resources offenses. In his spare time, Brian is also an avid bird watcher.
Jennifer Szczerbak is the Vice President of Land Development Ecology at RJ Burnside. She has experience conducting sub-watershed studies, environmental impact studies, and greenlands systems planning. In her work, Jennifer loves collaborating across disciplines and improving local biodiversity through restoration projects.Websites and Links mentioned:RJ Burnside Careers Page: https://www.rjburnside.com/careers/RJ Burnside on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rj-burnside-&-associates/?originalSubdomain=caJennifer Szcerbak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-szczerbak-38521536/?originalSubdomain=caFind Your Local Conservation Authority: https://conservationontario.ca/conservation-authorities/find-a-conservation-authorityThank you so much to Jennifer for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Spending much of his childhood outside in nature, Christian Friis grew to realize the beauty and power of nature. While attending Mount Allison University, he volunteered for Long Point Bird Observatory. This experience would solidify where he would focus his career - bird conservation. Christian now works for the Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region as a Wildlife Biologist, where he focusses on shorebird monitoring and conservation. Websites and Links mentioned:Elder Dr. Albert Marshall Two Eyed Seeing Talk: https://youtu.be/DTJtAdH9_mkTwo-Eyed Seeing TEDTalk: https://youtu.be/bA9EwcFbVfgNative Lands Website: https://nativelands.ca/21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/21-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-indian-act-James Bay Shorebird Project Volunteer: https://www.jamesbayshorebirdproject.com/volunteerOntario Shorebird Survey: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/bird-surveys/shorebird/ontario.htmlBreeding Bird Survey: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/bird-surveys/landbird/north-american-breeding/overview.htmlMarsh Monitoring Program: https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/marsh-monitoring-program/Canadian Wildlife Services Regional Offices: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-act-accord-funding/contact-canadian-wildlife-service-regional-offices.htmlChristian Friis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-friis-5b000a1/A Passion for Wildlife Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3733218-a-passion-for-wildlifeCanadian Wildlife Service Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/wildlife-plants-species.htmlThank you so much to Christian for sharing his time and knowledge with us!Take the ELB Survey!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Filip is a recent graduate from the Wildlife Biology Program at McGill University, where he first began participating in Northern Research within the Humphries Research Group. These opportunities to experience working in Arctic communities inspired him do an MSc with the Kutz Research Group, allowing him to gain experience in the domain of wildlife health. Websites and Links mentioned:Research Page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Filip-Rakic-3LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-rakic-4bb9a6154/?originalSubdomain=caTwitter: https://twitter.com/FilipRakic8Thank you so much to Filip for sharing his time and knowledge with us!Take the ELB Survey!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Bryan Poirier is the manager of strategic conservation policy in the Canadian Wildlife Service, a branch within environment and climate change Canada. In that role, Bryan and his team work to ensure that biodiversity policy and considerations are incorporated into other government priorities and initiatives, including those related to climate change. Bryan is especially interested in the interconnections between biodiversity policy and other social and environmental issues. Websites and Links mentioned:Federal Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/graduates/recruitment-policy-leaders.htmlFederal Public Service Recruitment Programs: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment.htmlFederal Post-Secondary Recruitment: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/graduates/post-secondary-recruitment.htmlGovernment of Canada Jobs: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.htmlBiodivCanada: https://biodivcanada.chm-cbd.net/Nature Based Solutions Initiative: https://www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/Canadian Wildlife Service: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/wildlife-plants-species.htmlCanada Public Service Commission: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission.htmlThank you so much to Bryan for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Jenna did her undergraduate degree at Queen's University in environmental studies and biology, and completed a research based Masters at Western University. She is also one of the founding members and a past board member of the Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity. Jenna has experience working with various species at risk and in land stewardship in Ontario. She currently works for the Nature Conservancy of Canada as a Coordinator, Conservation Biology for areas in the Greater Toronto Area.Websites and Links mentioned:Nature of Conservancy of Canada Website: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/Nature Conservancy of Canada Job Postings: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=b0f3dbb9-c0c3-450e-b942-8ef0c3d60ac5&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_CANature Conservancy of Canada Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-you-can-do/conservation-volunteers/Jenna's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennacsiu?lang=en Thank you so much to Jenna for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Sherwin is an aquatic ecologist working with a team to implement restoration projects in the Credit River. With Credit Valley Conservation, Sherwin is a Program Manager of Aquatic and Wetland Restoration. Sherwin's passions lie with improving & preserving our water resources, empowering others and- as a Chinese Canadian and a person of colour- improving diversity and equity in the environmental field. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids travelling, exploring the outdoors, listening to indie music, and attending concerts. Websites and Links mentioned:Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Course (for 2022): https://trca.ca/conservation/environmental-monitoring/technical-training/ontario-stream-assessment-protocol/"Restoring a Buried Creek" Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/mv5rX9QbdRICredit Valley Conservation "Get Involved": https://cvc.ca/learn-and-get-involved/Credit Valley Conservation Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/CreditValleyCAThank you so much to Sherwin for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Brenna holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph and has been an ISA certified arborist for 6 years. She has been employed at LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) for over 7 years- currently working as a Residential Planting Programs Manager- and some of her past experiences include research in dendroclimatology and tree planting projects with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. In her spare time, Brenna enjoys synchronized skating, travelling and hiking, and she is an aspiring landscape photographer.Websites and Links mentioned:Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htmLEAF's website: https://www.yourleaf.org/LEAF Backyard Biodiversity Program: https://www.yourleaf.org/backyard-biodiversityLEAF Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.yourleaf.org/volunteerThank you so much to Brenna for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Toby caught his first bat at the age of eleven and hasn't looked back. After teenage years chasing the bats of southern England, he studied biology at the University of Oxford and moved to Canada in 2013 for a Research Master's investigating bat migration, supervised by Dr. Brock Fenton. Since then he has worked on bat conservation programs in Ontario and authored a field guide to the bats of the province. Since 2016 he has worked on the Native Bat Conservation Program at the Toronto Zoo, as the Program Coordinator.Websites and Links mentioned:Toronto Zoo Native Bat Conservation Program: https://www.torontozoo.com/batsToronto Zoo Jobs: https://www.torontozoo.com/jobsThank you so much to Toby for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Jackie is senior research and policy advisor with the Greenbelt Foundation, and a previous Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity Board Member. Through her work, Jackie helps to review current knowledge and research, and help apply it to protecting the long term sustainability of the Greenbelt. As an urban forester and arborist, she helps to grow and manage trees and greenspaces across cities.Websites and Links mentioned:Greenbelt Foundation: https://www.greenbelt.ca/Near Urban Nature Project: https://www.greenbelt.ca/near_urban_nature_projectGreenbelt Foundation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenbeltcaGreenbelt Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ontariogreenbelt/Thank you so much to Jackie for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
David Seburn is currently the Freshwater Turtle Specialist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Previously, he was a consultant specializing in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. He has written more than a dozen scientific papers on amphibians and reptiles, and in 2020 was presented with the Blue Racer Award, from the Canadian Herpetological Society, for significant contribution to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.Websites and Links mentioned:Canadian Wildlife Federation: https://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/The Turtle Project: www.helptheturtles.caHow to Help Turtles Cross Roads: https://blog.cwf-fcf.org/index.php/en/why-did-the-turtle-cross-the-road-2/Thank you so much to David for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Natasha is currently working to facilitate the protection of Boreal birds across Canada, during all parts of their life cycle, as a Boreal Conservation Project Specialist with Birds Canada. She believes that by studying birds, it can allow us to rectify the disconnect between scientists and the public, providing an avenue where we can have those difficult conversations about conservation that need to be had. Through Natasha's work, she has become increasingly aware of the interesting challenges that come with balancing human needs with natural resource protection. Websites and Links mentioned:Natasha Barlow's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-barlow/Birds Canada Website: https://www.birdscanada.org/Birds Canada on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdscanada/Birds Canada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birds.canada/?hl=enBirds Canada on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BirdsCanadaBirds Canada on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt90dw0_IrttadSfd7P9GfgThank you so much to Natasha for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Matt is a wildlife ecologist and a postdoctoral fellow at Wilfrid Laurier University, working with Environment and Climate Change Canada to understand the cumulative effects of disturbance on boreal caribou in Ontario. Matt is interested in how wildlife respond to landscape change and his graduate research focused on ducks. Matt is also the current President of the Ontario Chapter of The Wildlife Society, an organization in the province that supports and promotes a network of wildlife professionals.Websites and Links mentioned:Matt's Twitter: https://twitter.com/dysonwildlife?lang=enMatt's Website: https://mattedyson.weebly.com/Wildlife Society, Ontario Chapter: http://www.octws.ca/OCTWS Conference: http://www.octws.ca/conference.htmlThank you so much to Matt for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Kathleen is an Interpretive Naturalist in the Discovery Program of Ontario Parks. She has a passion for helping people connect with the natural world and loves when she can share her love of parks with others. She's worked for Ontario Parks for 9 years in various roles including a Frontline Interpreter, a Resource Technician, and the Discovery Leader of MacGregor Point Provincial Park. She is currently acting as the Learning and Education Specialist for Ontario Parks.Websites and Links mentioned:Ontario Parks: https://www.ontarioparks.com/enMacGregor Point Provincial Park: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/macgregorpointOntario Parks Jobs Listings (GoJobs): https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspx?Language=EnglishOntario Parks Twitter: https://twitter.com/OntarioParksOntario Parks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ontarioparks/Ontario Parks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontarioparks/?hl=enThank you so much to Kathleen for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Steve Hounsell is a retired biologist who spent his career with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the former Ontario Hydro, where he managed their biodiversity programs. Steve, an ardent supporter of sustainability and the conservation of biodiversity, is the Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council, the President of Forests Ontario, and a Past President of Ontario Nature.Websites and Links mentioned:Ontario Biodiversity Council: http://ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca/Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy: http://ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca/resource/obs/Forests Ontario: https://www.forestsontario.ca/enThank you so much to Steve for sharing his time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Larissa Nituch is a Science Operations Supervisor with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, leading the delivery of the provincial rabies research and control program. She has worked for MNRF for over 12 years in a diversity of roles related to wildlife research and monitoring, operations, and policy, and holds a Masters of Science from Trent University, focusing on disease in wild American mink. Larissa is also the lead for MNRF's Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance program as well as a variety of other wildlife health projects.Websites and Links mentioned:OPS Careers Website: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspxMNRF Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-natural-resources-and-forestryMNRF on Facebook & Instagram: @ONresourcesMNRF Rabies: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabiesMNRF CWD: https://www.ontario.ca/page/chronic-wasting-diseaseThank you so much to Larissa for sharing her time and knowledge with us!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlYou can help to stop the spread of rabies by:reporting dead batschecking your cargo, truck, boat and trailer for raccoons, especially if you're leaving the United Statesremoving food sources around your home that might attract wildlife, including pet foodcontacting local animal control if you find a wild animal in your truck or cargonot releasing wildlife without reporting it to the MNRFnever trapping and relocating wildlife (it's illegal to move wild animals more than 1 km)I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Gary Pritchard is an Indigenous Restoration Ecologist and Indigenous Placemaker (Engagement Specialist) from Curve Lake First Nation, and incorporates Indigenous Knowledge Systems into ecosystem restoration and recovery. He has worked with, and traveled to, over 300 Indigenous Communities throughout Canada and the USA. Gary has extensive knowledge of conducting environmental assessments and implementing environmental policy, project planning, and permitting, while working in conjunction with a variety of multidisciplinary sectors. In addition to his work as an Indigenous Restoration Ecologist and Indigenous Placemaker, Gary is a University and College Professor teaching about Indigenous Relations and the environment.A big thank you to Gary for sharing his time and knowledge with us!This is the first part of a two-part interview.ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Gary Pritchard is an Indigenous Restoration Ecologist and Indigenous Placemaker (Engagement Specialist) from Curve Lake First Nation, and incorporates Indigenous Knowledge Systems into ecosystem restoration and recovery. He has worked with, and traveled to, over 300 Indigenous Communities throughout Canada and the USA. Gary has extensive knowledge of conducting environmental assessments and implementing environmental policy, project planning, and permitting, while working in conjunction with a variety of multidisciplinary sectors. In addition to his work as an Indigenous Restoration Ecologist and Indigenous Placemaker, Gary is a University and College Professor teaching about Indigenous Relations and the environment.A big thank you to Gary for sharing his time and knowledge with us!This is the first part of a two-part interview.ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Board Member Opportunities: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/join-elb.htmlI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity aims to connect youth and emerging professionals in Ontario with each other, opportunities in the environmental sector, and with the Ontario Biodiversity Council, all the while promoting biodiversity conservation. While this year it might not be business as usual, our mission remains the same so make sure if you haven't already, join ELB so you can get our newsletter and all our exciting updates, you can also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We have an amazing season of incredible guests lined up just for you. We are going to be talking with senior professionals from some of the top ENGO's in the country, Senior professionals from Government Agencies and the Private sector. We're going to talk about what it takes to make a lasting career in the industry and real tips to help you break in or land that next dream job. Our Website: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Facebook group:ELB Twitter: http://twitter.com/el4biodiversityELB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/el4biodiversity/ELB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/el4biodiversity/Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes
For the end of Season 1, I sat down with three of our board members, our Chair Thomas McAuley Basai, our Coordinator Kelsey Worboys, and our Treasurer Jackie Ho to look back and reflect on 2020 and what we have to look forward to in 2021.And a huge thank you to you our listener who has tuned in and come with us on this wild journey. It wouldn't have been possible or any fun without you. And because of you, we will be coming back for Season 2 on February 2, 2021 so make sure you like and subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Also check out our socials, especially our Facebook group and fill out the podcast survey so you can shape what questions we ask, and who we talk to in season 2! The signup for our book club is also live! We will be going through all the awesome book recommendations made by our wonderful Season 1 Podcast Guests. I also need to thank the ELB board members for being so supportive of the podcast - I couldn't have done this without them and all of their work behind the scenes!ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/ELB Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/el4biodiversityELB Book Club, launching January 21, 2021: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2021-online-book-club-tickets-134130302345Podcast Season 1 Feedback Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WRN28HNI recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Jovana Shrestha is a first year student at McGill University studying environmental biology. An aspiring wildlife biologist, artist, and conservationist! She created the Urban Wildlife Conservation Network in hopes of showing others that there are always opportunities to get involved in conservation, no matter where you are!A big thank you to Jovana for sharing her time and her passion with us!Urban Wildlife Conservation Network: https://urbanwildlifecn.wixsite.com/uwcnELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Brian is the Stewardship Coordinator at LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests. He holds a Master's of Environmental and Life Sciences from Trent University and is passionate about connecting people to the natural world. Before joining LEAF, he participated in a behavioural study of sloths in Costa Rica and studied prairie songbirds in Alberta. He has also led Environmental Stewardship programs with summer camps and volunteer groups. Brian enjoys dancing, traveling, hiking, and performing stand-up comedy. A big thank you to Brian for sharing his time and enthusiasm with us. For this week's challenge, we continue to build on the theme of a sustainable holiday season. In a shameless plug, please check out the ELB blog post, which gives new and constructive ways to be more green for the holidays. LEAF: https://www.yourleaf.org/ELB Blog "How to Have An Eco-Friendly Holiday" by Heather Kerrison: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/blog/how-to-have-an-eco-friendly-holidayELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Shauna Fernandes is a Senior Planning Ecologist with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Her role includes implementing the Authority's ecology interests by providing professional and technical review of applications under the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act and Environmental Assessment Act including environmental background studies, environmental impact studies, Master Environmental Servicing Plan, and environmental assessments.. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto at Scarborough (2007) and more recently a Masters in Public Administration from Queen's University. A big thank you to Shauna for sharing her experiences and journey with us. I hope it has helped shed some light on areas we can all improve on to ensure we create a welcoming and diverse industry. For this week's challenge, try to rethink how we shop and prioritize novelty over the holidays. Normalizing second-hand and home-made gifts is a great way to save money and reduce our impact on the planet. TRCA: https://trca.ca/TRCA opportunities: https://trca.ca/get-involved/ and https://trca.ca/about/careers/Conservation Ontario: https://conservationontario.ca/Sustainable Gift Ideas: https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/tips-for-sustainable-giving/ELB: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Nicholas is an ecologist currently working in Victoria BC, though he is originally from Waterdown, Ontario. He has worked in the private and public sectors in both provinces. He was formally trained as a terrestrial ecologist with a focus on ecosystem restoration. A big thank you Nick for sharing his experiences with us and for being so honest and candid. I hope it has helped shed some light on areas we can all improve on to ensure we create a welcoming and diverse industry. For this week's challenge, we are going to dive more into the environmentally controversial issue of pets. Pets can contribute to a lot of environmental issues if the pet owner isn't responsible and I'm not just talking about outdoor cats. Off-leash dogs can disturb nesting birds, spook mammals, and crush vegetation. So check out the resources and make sure you are being an environmentally responsible pet owner.Off-leash dogs: https://www.protectnatureto.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Impacts-of-dogs-on-wildlife-10-Aug-16.pdf Eco-Friendly pet tips: https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/03/31/7-ways-to-be-an-eco-friendly-pet-owner Outdoor cats: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/moral-cost-of-cats-180960505/ELB: https://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Jack Imhof might be semi-retired now but he is still a leading expert in ecosystem restoration, aquatic ecology, and watershed science. he has worked as the Director of Conservation Ecology and National Biologist at Trout Unlimited Canada, while also fulfilling the role of Senior Aquatic Ecologist at the OMNR (now the MNRF). He has published over 20 papers and earned both his B.Sc and M.Sc. from the University of Waterloo.A huge thank you to Jack for sharing his time and his wisdom. I think it is incredible to hear about what one person can accomplish within a career. This week's challenge is to leave your favourite park better than when you found it, whether that means picking up garbage or joining a "friends of group"; there are so many ways to make a difference, it's up to you.Trout Unlimted Canada: https://tucanada.org/Find a TUC chapter: https://tucanada.org/chapters/"Friends Of..." examples: https://www.friendsofshorthillspark.ca/ https://cvcfoundation.ca/campaigns/fundraising-committees/friends-of-island-lake/https://friendsofthespit.ca/Park Clean-ups: https://blog.credo.com/2019/07/how-to-plan-an-ocean-or-park-clean-up-in-your-community/Leave-no Trace: https://www.leavenotrace.ca/homeEmerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Dr. Nusha Keyghobadi is an Associate Professor at Western University. Her research program combines elements of population genetics, population ecology, and landscape ecology, with a focus on understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity. She has worked on the conservation genetics of at-risk butterflies, on mosquitoes that are vectors of wildlife disease, and in agricultural and forest entomology. She is also passionate about teaching and outreach.A big thank you to Nusha for sharing her time and experience with us. This week's challenge is to make a low-carbon footprint meal, taking into consideration distance traveled, production methods, and, water and land use.Dr. Nusha Keygohbadi website: https://www.uwo.ca/biology/faculty/keyghobadi/Low Carbon-footprint recipes: https://www.liveeatlearn.com/recipes-to-reduce-carbon-footprint/Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Graham Eby is the Manager of Aquatics and Monitoring at Aquafor Beech, a private consulting firm. He has been in the industry working as an aquatic ecologist for almost 5 years and has already made a splash in the industry, earning the respects of his co-workers, clients, and agency staff.He got his Bachelor of Environment and Business at the University of Waterloo and a post-graduate certificate in ecosystem restoration from Niagara College. When he's not working you can still find him down by the river either restoring habitat, contributing to citizen science, or just enjoying an early morning fish. A big thank you to Graham for sharing his time and experience with us!Aquafor Beech: http://www.aquaforbeech.com/Aquafor Beech Projects: https://www.clarington.net/en/do-business/robinson-creek-and-tooley-creeks-subwatershed-study.asphttps://www.kitchener.ca/en/city-services/stormwater-master-plan.aspxhttps://www.kitchener.ca/en/city-services/environmental-assessments.aspx#Upper-Blair-CreekFun Fixes: https://www.demilked.com/creative-fixes-broken-things/Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Stephanie Sobek-Swant is the Executive Director of rare Charitable Research Reserve. She is an internationally trained biodiversity researcher, published author, and has worked at Universities across Ontario and Canada.She has been in charge of rare Charitable Research Reserve, a land trust and environmental institute in the Waterloo region since 2014 and also hold various board positions in other eNGOs.This week's challenge is to re-discover what sparked your love for the environment (whether it was a place or activity), and to take a moment to recharge your battery. A big thank you to Stephanie for sharing her time and experience with us!rare: https://raresites.org/Indigenous Canada Course: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.htmlFun nature activities: https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/10-backyard-nature-activities-for-kidsEmerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Jody Allair is the Director, Citizen Science and Community Engagement at Birds Canada. He is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world.Over the years Jody has coordinated a variety of different bird research projects including the Southern Ontario Bald Eagle Monitoring Program, the Ontario Nocturnal Owl Survey and the Southern Ontario Forest Birds at Risk Program. He currently manages and delivers a variety of programs for Bird Canada's Bird Education Program.In addition to his work at Birds Canada, Jody has been a Birding Tour Leader with Eagle-Eye Tours since 2008. His tour destinations have included Belize and Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. This week's challenge is to research the impacts of the palm oil industry and make sustainable choices, especially when it comes to Halloween Candy. Check out the links to learn more about products made with sustainable palm oil.A big thank you to Jody for sharing his time and passion with us!Birds Canada: https://www.birdscanada.org/eBird: https://ebird.org/homeMerlin bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/Toronto Zoo: https://www.torontozoo.com/events/Palm-oil-free2016.pdfPalm oil facts: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/8-things-know-about-palm-oilEmerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd
Alex Meeker is an aquatic restoration project coordinator at Conservation Halton where she works to make watersheds healthier. She has been in the environmental field for just over 5 years now and has worked for a consulting firm, not-for-profit, and now a conservation authority.She did her undergrad at St Francis Xavier University and her masters at the University of Guelph. She also has a post-graduate certificate in ecosystem restoration from Niagara College.This week's challenge is to take care of the environment in your own backyard - literally. We want you to leave the leaves. Leaves provide important habitat for overwintering insects and butterflies. Learn why it is important to put the rake down in the link below. A big thank you to Alex for sharing her time and experience with us. Conservation Halton Volunteer Corps: https://conservationhalton.ca/community-education-and-involvementConservation Halton Restoration Projects: https://conservationhalton.ca/ecological-restorationTrout Unlimited Canada: https://tucanada.org/Brown Girl Outdoor World: https://browngirloutdoorworld.com/Melanin Basecamp: https://www.melaninbasecamp.com/David Suzuki: https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/how-to-leave-the-leavesEmerging Leaders for Biodiversity: http://www.el4biodiversity.ca/I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.Music by Scott Holmeshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd