Come plant some trees with us!

As Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society continues to grow as an organization, so to do we want the natural environments that surround us to. So, in honour of our 25th anniversary, we will be planting 2500 trees and shrubs generously donated by Metro Vancouver and we would love for you to come out, lend a hand and share in this extraordinary milestone with us as we couldn't have done it without all of you! 

Come by the Serpentine Fields entrance at Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey between 10am - 2pm (rain or shine!) for a fun-filled day of celebration, group tree planting, wildlife education displays, a delicious barbeque lunch and more! Everything at this family event is free of charge so come one, come all, even Fido too! This is a pet-friendly event so feel free to bring your dogs and let them roam free in the adjacent off-leash dog area. 

A donation page has been set up for the symbolic adoption of each tree with all proceeds going directly to bring free environmental education programs to inner-city schoolchildren throughout BC. If you're able, please give generously at http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=20271 

For directions to the Serpentine Fields entrance please see http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/maps/Maps/Tyneheadmap.pdf 

Free parking is available at the Serpentine Fields entrance

The Serpentine Fields park entrance is also transit accessible with a little bit of walking. For directions, please call Translink at 604-953-3333. From Surrey Central SkyTrain station, you can catch the #337 "Fraser Heights" bus to 168 St at 104 Ave. From there, walk south on 168 St. to the pedestrian overpass. Cross the overpass and you will find us set up on the other side of it inside the park. 

For more info, please email Kristine at mailto:execassistant@northwestwildlife.com or call 604-568-4907

Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting Event

As you may already know, 2012 is NWPS’s 25th anniversary. As we continue to grow as an organization, so to do we want the natural environments that surround us to. So, in honour of our 25th anniversary, we will be planting 2500 trees and shrubs and we would love for you to come out, lend a hand and share in this extraordinary milestone with us as we couldn't have done it without all of you! 

To make this day a success, we need your help! We are arranging an Event Committee with approximately 30 volunteers to help run the event and we would love for you to be one of them. Please read the positions below and email me ASAP at execassistant@northwestwildlife.com or call me at 604-568-4907 if you would like to sign up. Positions will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Please note that all volunteers will need to be available for a 1-2 hour site meeting at either 9am or 10am on Friday October 19th at Tynehead Park in Surrey, and for the whole day during the event (8-4pm on Saturday October 27th). Please only sign up for a position if you are sure you will be able to fulfill that time commitment.

The event will be held by the Serpentine Fields entrance at Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey between 10am - 2pm on Saturday October 27th. It is going to be a fun-filled day of celebration, tree planting, wildlife education displays, a delicious barbeque lunch and more! Everything at this pet-friendly family event is free of charge. For directions to the Serpentine Fields entrance please see http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/maps/Maps/Tyneheadmap.pdf 

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS TO BE FILLED:

Planting Coordinators – 7 positions left

Planting Coordinators are responsible to setting up, coordinating, planting and cleaning up afterwards, one of the treeplanting areas. You will be required to arrive at 8am to set up and stay until all the planting is complete (apprx. 3pm). You will be responsible for your area and designated trees and plants by guiding event attendees what to do when they arrive at the site to plant. At the end of the day, you will need to help us finish any planting left over and pack up and tidy the planting area. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Foot Traffic Marshalls – 5  positions left  

Each Traffic Marshall will be stationed at a spot either at the entrance to the park or along the path between the main event and the tree planting area to direct event attendees where to go. You will be required to arrive at 8am and stay until 2pm. Prior to the event, your responsibilities will also include assisting in making direction marker signs and putting them up the morning of the event. During the event, if time permits, you may also be asked to assist with planting some trees. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Educational Display Table Hosts – 2 positions left

Under the direction of the NWPS Education Coordinator and Intern, you will assist with setting up the display table of NWPS biofacts (taxidermied owls, bear skulls, furs, etc.), answering questions event attendees may have, supervise people handling the biofacts and packing up the display table. You will be required to arrive at 9am and stay until 2pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Raffle Prize Table Host – 2 positions left

Under the direction of an NWPS Director, you will be responsible for setting up the table, answering questions about the raffle, assisting attendees in entering the raffle (purchasing tickets, etc.) and packing up the table at the end of the day. You will be required to arrive at 9am and stay until 2pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Floater – 4 positions left

As a Floater your responsibility will be to help out wherever necessary. This may include, but is not limited to, welcoming event attendees, guiding people to the planting site, assisting with planting any excess trees, answering general questions about the event and NWPS, filling in at the various stations to relieve other volunteers for bathroom or lunch breaks, directing people to the bathrooms, food areas, etc. You will be required to arrive at 9am and stay until 2pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Event Photographer – 3 positions left

You will be responsible for capturing photographs of various aspects of the event. Each photographer may be assigned a specific area to focus on but may switch with other volunteers as desired. All photographers must have access to their own equipment. You will be required to arrive at 9am and stay until 2pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Event Promoter – unlimited ppl needed

Your job is to promote this event in any way that you can. Tactical suggestions include using social media, writing press releases and submitting them to newspapers, etc., calling reporters and/or radio stations and offering to interview about the event, distributing promotional materials (either of your own creation or provided by NWPS) such as posters and postcards, verbally telling all your friends and family, etc. Please direct people to sign up to attend the event online via our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/179367255530735/ or the EventBrite invitation at http://nwpstreeplanting.eventbrite.ca/. Also, a donation page has been set up for the symbolic adoption of each tree to be planted with all proceeds going directly to bring free environmental education programs to inner-city schoolchildren throughout BC. Please include this information whenever possible by asking people to please give generously at http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=20271 

Tree Planter – 30+ ppl needed

You will be responsible for planting some of the 2500 trees and plants. We particularly need people to help out with the smaller, more fragile plants in the more difficult forest setting. You may arrive and depart the event at whichever times between 10am and 3pm you wish. A free BBQ lunch will be provided. If you would like to volunteer as a tree planter, please simply register for the event via our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/179367255530735/ or the EventBrite invitation at http://nwpstreeplanting.eventbrite.ca/.

Reflections from our Intern

As NWPS Intern, Annie Merritt, concludes her internship with us this week, she reflects on her time spent working with our society. Read on below for a glimpse into her experience over the last four months.

Annie on her first day with NWPS

I first learned about Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society while searching for summer internship opportunities online. NWPS caught my attention because of their focus on both wildlife preservation and environmental education, which combines my two passions of protecting the environment and working with youth.  In my many years working as a Camp Counselor and Youth Mentor I have come to appreciate the curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm of youth.  This makes working with this age group very rewarding, but even more importantly, it makes for a very receptive audience when teaching about the value of environmental stewardship.  Given the importance of educating our future generations about their role in the preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat, I think that the outreach work done by NWPS is incredibly important and I was very happy to have the opportunity to get involved with this organization.

Interning with NWPS has been a very positive experience.  Because it is a smaller organization, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects, and I have gained a good understanding of the work that goes into the operation of an environmental non-profit.  The experience I have gained working here has included event planning, newsletter and press release writing, applying for grants and in-kind donations, and participating in various NWPS activities including school programs and festival events. Because of the variety of tasks, I have really been able to diversify and build upon my existing skill set.  This has also made for a great work environment, as no two days at NWPS have been the same!

As my time at NWPS comes to a close, I would like to express my thanks to NWPS’ Executive Assistant, Kristine for always patiently answering my questions, and Education Coordinator, Darren, for sharing his absolutely contagious enthusiasm for wildlife. It has been such a pleasure working with you this summer! I would strongly encourage anyone looking for an opportunity to enrich their knowledge and diversify their skills to get involved with NWPS.  Not only will you be able to contribute to the protection of the environment, but you will also have a great time doing it! 

- Annie Merritt, NWPS Intern

If you would like to Intern with NWPS, please check out the current job posting at http://www.workcabin.ca/jobs/conservationwildlife/internship-unpaid

NWPS Brings Together Green Energy Leaders

On Saturday, August 11^th, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society (NWPS) hosted the first annual Beat the Heat Contest’s Final Judging and Networking Event at the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability at the University of British Columbia.  Touted as the “greenest” building in North America, this was a fitting setting in which to bring together students and professionals with a shared dedication to green energy for an afternoon of idea sharing and networking.   

Beat the Heat is a contest searching for the next great green plan to help curb climate change. Serving as a forward-thinking educational platform that provokes thought, discussion, engagement and action in post secondary and post graduate institutions, Beat the Heat seeks to advance energy efficiency and environmental conservation initiatives in BC.

To do this, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society with sponsorship from FortisBC challenged BC students to come up with a plan to optimize natural gas use for a greener BC.

In attendance at the final event were students and professors from various post-secondary institutions from across the province, as well as many green energy leaders representing a wide range of disciplines from the energy industry as well as from the non-profit sector.  The event kicked off with a friendly welcome from John Hawkins, the event MC and professional public speaking coach.  NWPS President, Jim Pigott, then shared with the audience a bit about the important work being done by the society to preserve wildlife and wildlife spaces in North America. Samantha Collins, of FortisBC’s Conservation Education and Outreach team spoke next, congratulating the contest finalists and highlighting some of the many outreach programs run by FortisBC in support of educating the public about the importance of optimizing energy use.  She underscored the importance of recognizing that BC residents of all ages, including post-secondary and post-graduate students, are consumers of natural gas and therefore play an important role in ensuring that this resource is used wisely.

Natural gas plays an integral role in BC’s energy mix. As our province continues to grow, so too does our demand for energy – up to 45% over the next twenty years. Luckily, British Columbia is home to large number of natural gas reserves, which helps us cope with our increasing energy demands.

Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. This makes it better for the environment than imported electricity and other fossil fuels, but we want it to do even more. That’s why we asked students to share their ideas about how to best use natural gas for the preservation of BC’s natural environment. While many students from across the province put forth excellent ideas, Geoffrey de Ruiter and Vilma Falotico emerged the two contest finalists.

Following the introductions, the contest finalists presented their innovative ideas to optimize the use of natural gas to the audience in front of a panel of live judges including the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education, Dr. Tony Bi, Professor and Associate Director of UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre, and Mr. Paul Willis, President of Willis Energy. Vilma Falotico, a recent graduate from the Sustainable Business Leadership and Sustainable Energy Management programs at BCIT, presented her submission entitled “Plan to Optimize Natural Gas Use”, including an in-depth assessment of BC’s current and projected natural gas use as well as a proposal for introducing an industrial waste-heat recovery system.  Next, Geoff de Ruiter, a PhD student at UNBC presented his proposal, “Shift and Couple: Opportunities in Natural Gas Efficiency”.  Geoff put forward several ideas in this presentation, including a plan to move towards a centralized system of combined heat and power cogeneration systems as well as a plan to improve natural gas efficiency with dual installation of on-demand heat water systems and wastewater heat recovery.

 Following deliberations, the final judges awarded Geoff de Ruiters first place prize of $10,000 and Vilma second place prize of $5,000.  This prize money will support their education and career advancement expenses. 

Following the presentation of the finalists’ submissions, all attendees enjoyed a catered lunch and took advantage of the opportunity to network and share their own ideas regarding means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through smart energy use.

For more information please visit www.beattheheatcontest.com

We need your vote!

We need your help! Please vote for NWPS's Wetland Restoration Project on Shell's FuellingChange program by clicking on the big red VOTE button (see pic, right) on the FuellingChange website.

Once you sign up for an account (just a quick info form), you'll have 10 votes to allocate. You can get an extra 40 votes for a limited time by linking to your Facebook and/or Twitter pages. To do this, click on the red "My Account" link on the top right corner of the page, and then clicking the red boxes on the left (see photos below).

You get additional votes with any purchase at Shell locations across Canada. Your receipt will have a code on it, which you can then enter on the website.

Voting closes on October 31st, 2012 so please vote today and forward this post to all your contacts!

Green Energy Contest Registration Closes Midnight TONIGHT!

Registration for Beat the Heat contest closes tonight at midnight!


If you or any post-secondary or post-grad student in BC you know is interested in potentially winning up to $10,000 for helping to curb climate change, please pass along this message!


Beat the Heat is a contest searching for the next great green plan to help curb climate change. Serving as a forward-thinking educational platform that provokes thought, discussion, engagement and action in post secondary and post graduate institutions, Beat the Heat seeks to advance energy efficiency and environmental conservation initiatives in BC.

To do this, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society and FortisBC challenge BC students to come up with a plan to optimize natural gas use for a greener BC.


Natural gas plays an integral role in BC’s energy mix. As our province continues to grow, so too does our demand for energy – up to 45% over the next twenty years. Luckily, British Columbia is home to large number of natural gas reserves, which helps us cope with our increasing energy demands.


Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. This makes it better for the environment than imported electricity and other fossil fuels, but we want it to do even more. That’s why we’re asking students to share their ideas about how to best use natural gas for the preservation of BC’s natural environment.


What's in it for the contestants?


By entering a Submission, students earn the chance to win up to $10,000 for educational and/or career advancement expenses.




The two finalists chosen will present their Submissions in August to a panel of judges in front of an audience full of industry leaders. This means the prize is not only funding education and career advancement, but it’s also connecting students with prospective employers to help them get a kick start to future career opportunities.


For more information about the contest and how to enter, check out the Contest Rules and Entry Guidelines.

Students Help Curb Climate Change & Win up to $10,000!

Students, enter to WIN! Beat the Heat is a contest searching for the next great green plan to help curb climate change. Serving as a forward-thinking educational platform that provokes thought, discussion, engagement and action in post secondary and post graduate institutions, Beat the Heat seeks to advance energy efficiency and environmental conservation initiatives in BC.

To do this, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society (contest Host) and FortisBC (contest Sponsor) are challenging BC students to come up with a plan to optimize natural gas use for a greener BC.

Natural gas plays an integral role in BC’s energy mix. As our province continues to grow, so too does our demand for energy – up to 45% over the next twenty years, according to a recent study. Luckily, British Columbia is home to large number of natural gas reserves, which helps us cope with our increasing energy demands.

Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. This makes it better for the environment than imported electricity and other fossil fuels, but we want it to do even more. That’s why we’re asking students to share their ideas about how to best use natural gas for the preservation of BC’s natural environment.

Who can participate?
Any part time or full time student currently registered at an eligible post-secondary or post-graduate institution in BC. A list of eligible institutions is available on the contest website.

What do they have to do?
1) Students need to first visit the contest website at www.beattheheatcontest.com to ensure that they are eligible to participate, and to read over the Official Contest Rules and Entry Guidelines.
2) Then they’ll need to register for the contest by May 1, 2012. This involves filling out a few simple forms and ensuring they are received by us via email before the deadline.
3) Once registered, students must develop a plan to optimize natural gas use for the benefit of the BC environment and enter their submission according the Submission Format Requirements, which can be found on the contest website. All submissions must be received by us by July 1, 2012. Note that while the plan must focus on optimizing natural gas use, other forms of energy (ie. solar, wind, etc.) may also be incorporated into the plan.

What’s in it for the students?
In addition to learning about sustainable energy and helping to optimize BC’s use of natural gas for the benefit of BC’s natural environment, by entering the contest, students earn the chance to win up to $10,000 for educational or career advancement expenses. There are two prizes: top prize of $10,000 and second place prize of $5,000. Prize money will be disbursed to and distributed by the prize winner’s educational institution for educational purposes only (if prize winner is a student returning to school in the immediately following academic year). Otherwise, prize money will be placed in a Trust for the prize winner for future educational and/or career advancement expenses.

The two finalists chosen from all the Submissions entered will present their Submissions on Saturday August 11, 2012 to a panel of judges in front of an audience full of industry leaders. This means the prize is not only funding education and career advancement, but it’s also connecting students with prospective employers to help them get a kick start to future career opportunities.

For more information about the contest, please visit the contest website at www.beattheheatcontest.com. You may also direct questions to info@beattheheatcontest.com. All answers will be posted on the website’s Discussion Board weekly.

Volunteers Love NWPS

Looking for a meaningful way to share your time? Volunteer with us! Check out this great recounting from of one of our excellent volunteers about her experience:

http://sites.google.com/site/sabinedeportfolio/a-growing-professional/lifelong-learning

It's our 25th Anniversary!

2012 marks Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society's 25th anniversary. Stay tuned for details of upcoming events in celebration of this incredible milestone, including a huge tree planting festival in July!

To express an interest in attending or sponsoring the event, please email execassistant@northwestwildlife.com or call 604-568-4907 today.