One year out of graduate school, I still define myself as an intestinal immunologist. I am fascinated by the intestinal ecosystem; specifically how bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi co-evolve and interact with each other and your body. This ecosystem influences your health in fascinatingly intricate ways.
Now out of graduate school, I
have expanded this view to environmental ecosystems. I view the world through a
holistic lens and believe that uncovering the woven webs in
ecosystems truly makes one appreciate the need for nuanced approaches to
protected areas and lifestyle.
This summer, I am inviting people like you on hikes with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) to share stories of BC’s interconnected systems. I hopeto spark a sense of awe at the cleverness and ingenuity of it all. Mostly, I want to share my appreciation for protected areas and the role they play in supporting these systems through our changing world. I think we are ultimately on track toward sustainability, but I know that the environment needs our help to adapt and thrive in the meantime. While we, humanity, figure out how to live sustainably with our planet, protecting large and biodiverse swaths of intact land is an important pro-active measure in the face of climate change.
I got involved with CPAWS in 2016 when Jessie, CPAWS-BC’s Terrestrial Manager, gave a talk at UBC. I was hooked by CPAWS-BC’s mission to create protected areas in nature while fostering a community of leadership for nature.
I am grateful to live in a time where pristine wilderness and pockets of thriving biodiversity still exist. Learning more about land stewardship and Indigenous knowledge on our human relationships with nature has impacted the ways I understand the world around me. Hearing stories and offering support for new models of Indigenous-led conservation give me hope for these natural places to continue to sustain us – our health, our livelihood and our communities in the future .
If you live around BC’s Lower Mainland, I hope you’ll join one of our community MicroAdventure hikes to make the most of the cooler season and exchange stories as we enjoy nature (and food!) together.
P.S. What am I most excited about? Growing collective knowledge on Leave No Trace principles for any outdoor-goer to apply. I can’t wait to share tips and tricks like these and more.
Happy Hour Hikes and MicroAdventures CPAWS-BC’s community hikes are set at a social pace on beginner-friendly trails in Metro Vancouver area. We will share tools that each of us can use to protect the ecological integrity of BC’s parks and protected areas, identify plants and signs of wildlife, and reveal pro hiking tips.
All are welcome! We have a carpool or trail-head meet-up option available. Free to register!
Questions about community hike trails or accessibility? heather@cpawsbc.org | 604.685.7445 x24
Can’t make it but want to support conservation in BC? Please take one minute to tell your Provincial Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) that you support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in our province. Learn more at besthope.ca
Unprecedented call for Environmental Leadership from our elected politicians heard across the country
North Vancouver, October 4, 2019 – Last night’s debate in north Vancouver was one of the 100 Debates on the Environment taking place across Canada, with locals coming to Presentation House Theatre to hear from North Vancouver candidates about their views on the environment. Voters joined the large crowds across the country attending their local debates, demonstrating that concern about the environment is fueling a powerful force that no party and no candidate can ignore.
The environment debate for the North Vancouver riding was attended by Conservative Party of Canada, Green Party of Canada, Liberal Party of Canada, and New Democratic Party candidates all sharing their views on the environment and competing for voter support. The People\’s Party of Canada was invited and declined. Squamish elder Sut-Lut opened the evening with a prayer and acknowledgement of the Unceded Coast Salish territory where the debate took place. Hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) and 100 Debates, the debate asked questions on climate change, wilderness protection, toxic pollution and water. Over 120 community members were also in attendance.
CPAWS-BC and 100 Debates were pleased with the turnout and audience enthusiasm. Candidates expressed their excitement to continue the conversations on species protection and climate change strategy. It was exciting to see this forum in action with so many local voters and youth voicing their top environmental concerns with candidates. CPAWS-BC is pleased to hear candidates speak on the urgent need to support resilient ecosystems and species on the brink of extinction in the face of climate change. Collective action and partnership at each level of governance will set the course for Canada\’s role as a leader for the environment.
Voters in North Vancouver showed their concern for the environment this election, as did other Canadians at the other environment debates held across the country on October 3.
When considering issue-themed candidates’ debates, nothing in Canada has ever approached the size and scope of the 100 Debates on the Environment initiative. Hosted by local non-profits, scientists, health professionals and businesses, the debates took place in church basements and auditoriums in nearly every province and territory, with urban, suburban and rural ridings all well represented.
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For more information or interview requests, including with local organizers, please contact: Skye Vallance, Communications and Development Coordinator, CPAWS-BC | skye@cpawsbc.org | 604.685.7445 x22.
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is dedicated to the protection of our public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. Our vision is to establish large, intact areas of wilderness on land and in the ocean that can nurture nature through climate change and support all life, Visit www.cpawsbc.org for more information.
ABOUT 100 DEBATES:
100 Debates is a national initiative to organize inclusive, politically neutral, and environment-focused all-candidates debates in communities across Canada. Local collaborators include national non-profits, schools, individuals, citizens\’ groups and businesses. Most debates are scheduled to take place on the same day, Oct 3rd, in over 100 ridings in Canada and have been coordinated by GreenPAC – Canada’s non-partisan organization that works to build environmental leadership in politics. Visit www.100debates.ca for more information.
Today in North Vancouver – an All-Candidates Environment Debate no voter should miss
(Vancouver,British Columbia – October 3, 2019) – An environment-themed candidates debate is being hosted by local organizers Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) this evening at Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver at 6PM.
The debate is one of nine happening across the Lower Mainland and over 100 happening across Canada as part of 100 Debates on the Environment, where voters will hear directly from candidates invited to express their views about the environment. Today is the feature date of this non-partisan debate series, which will allow the best environment policy ideas to come forward and compete for voter support.
What: 100 Debates on the Environment North Vancouver
More information on 100 Debates on the Environment and the full list of participating ridings can be found at 100Debates.ca.
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For more information or interview requests, including with local organizers, please contact:
Skye Vallance, CPAWS-BC
604-685-7445 x22
skye@cpawsbc.org
ABOUT CPAWS-BC
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is dedicated to the protection of our public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. Our vision is to establish large, intact areas of wilderness on land and in the ocean that can nurture nature through climate change and support all life.
ABOUT 100 DEBATES:
100 Debates is a national initiative to organize inclusive, politically neutral, and environment-focused all-candidates debates in communities across Canada. Local collaborators include national non-profits, schools, individuals, citizens’ groups and businesses. Most debates are scheduled to take place on the same day, Oct 3rd, in over 100 ridings in Canada and have been coordinated by GreenPAC – Canada’s non-partisan organization that works to build environmental leadership in politics. Visit www.100debates.ca for more information.
LOWER MAINLAND DEBATES:
Tri-Cities (Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam / Port Moody–Coquitlam)
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