What kind of work do you do?

I have spent 15 years implementing ecological restoration projects across British Columbia and Alberta, focusing on riparian restoration, early successional habitats, and bioengineering methods for both urban and remote areas. Today I work in consulting providing expertise in project management, product development, education, and technical guidance for mitigating risk in different environments.

Do you volunteer for any environmental organizations?

I have served on the SERWC board for over 10 years, currently serving as Chair.  I also volunteer on the CERP review committee for SER international.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or what are you most proud of?

Working to implement restoration work for long enough to recognize what it is, what it is not, and that it does work, is an accomplishment. Restoration takes a long time.  Pure restoration work is tough to come by, and though remediation or reclamation are alternatives, they are not a substitute if the work has clear intent.

Past tangible results, to have been mentored for it, had opportunities to do it, and to do it long enough to see processes evolve has been the greatest privilege.

What advice do you have for students and emerging professionals?

To students — chance is abundant, restoration is an experiment, so don’t let perfect get in the way of better.  It can take a long time to find something that works for you,  so double down on the areas you can excel to augment the quality of impact you can offer..

For professionals —  mentorship is a lease.  It is the confidence you can offer someone else who can’t yet see it in themselves.  Start this process so others can recognize how simple it is to do for someone else, someday.