Julie (left) helping coordinate our tree planting event last October |
Last October, when I first interviewed to
intern with Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society, I was keen to get some
hands-on experience working with an environmental non-profit. Not only did I gain that experience, helping
NWPS get their messages into the media and out to the public, but I've also
come away with a new appreciation for the everyday connections we have with
wildlife.
Thanks to Darren Colello - NWPS' in-house
expert of all things zoological – I have learned just how much biodiversity can
be found locally, in and around Metro Vancouver. It has been a real privilege to quiz Darren's
encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife when working in the office: Is it possible that the exotic cat I spotted
in the bushes of my ravine was a lynx? Or, what was that strange
speckled bird watching me eat my lunch on the patio at Whole Foods? Now,
whenever I'm near a waterfront, I'm on the lookout for colourfully plumed
blue-winged teals and the elegant silhouette of the great blue heron - and I
can now proudly identify the families of house finches, juncos, and spotted
towhees vying for their turn at my bird-feeder.
During my time with Northwest I was able to
share this enthusiasm with the broader public, at many events across the lower
mainland. I spoke with the campus
community at the Langara College volunteer fair, I joined other preservation
groups and local residents to learn about the annual return of spawning salmon
at the Hyde Creek Salmon Festival, I even had a crash course in planting a
first-stage forest for NWPS' 25th Anniversary Celebration. At each event I was impressed to find that
people of all ages and from all backgrounds share a genuine curiosity about the
welfare of our regional wildlife.
As a recent communications grad, I've been
able to explore new ways of using words and images to engage citizens in the
stewardship of our natural environment.
Following the lead of Kristine Krynitzki - NWPS' Executive Assistant – I
learned that getting a message across is all about finding creative ways of
connecting with people: through press releases, e-newsletters, updates on
Facebook and blog posts like this one. I
couldn't have asked for a more rewarding internship, and will miss having such
a kind and talented team to work with.
Thanks to everyone at Northwest for giving
me this unique opportunity to help preserve the wild places that make living in
B.C. so special.
All the best,
Julie