Wilderness International (Canada)

I grew up in rural western Canada and know that I was very fortunate to be able to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors, hiking, camping and horseback riding. This has developed my identity throughout my life, which is deeply connected to nature and wild spaces. I feel joy and freedom whenever I experience something new or unexpected in the beauty of nature and the world around me.

I realize more and more clearly that these natural spaces need to be protected. Photography and adventure travel have given me the opportunity to preserve and share these experiences. I believe it is important to connect closely with nature to understand the spiritual connection we have with the earth. Our daily lives are overstimulated, and we are too desensitized to a meaningful relationship with a world that we depend on because it sustains us. When you think collectively, you sense the smallness of the individual being within a greater whole. Each part serves to build an amazing network to which we belong. I find meaning and purpose in this belonging.

My hope and goal is to fulfill my obligation of building bridges and protecting. Deep down, I am a connector and protector. Family, environment and community are an inseparable expression of my life and the footprints I leave behind. With Wilderness International, I have found community and meaningful action.

I have always loved nature. I grew up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia and explored the mountains, oceans and forests here. But I didn't have an understanding of how everything is connected and how humans affect nature. I spent my early career as an entrepreneur in the extractive industry. Seeing first-hand how these industries impact nature never made me feel comfortable. I've always had a problem with nature having to pay so much tribute so that people can have what they want.

Now, as an ecotourism operator, we can show and experience nature. We focus our tours on education, conservation and inspiration. We can already see a change in our guests because nature offers such incredible experiences.

Wilderness International has inspired me to effect change on a larger scale. I believe that WI's mission is critical to saving our species, and to take a different path than the one we humans have set our planet on. Wilderness International is a powerful and wonderful organization, and I am honored to be a part of it. 

When I'm not traveling for business, I'm usually spending time with my family. My wife and I have two wonderful daughters, and we love to travel and give them new experiences. I also enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, fishing, golfing and camping.

Nature and wilderness are my home. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and living between the mountains and the ocean has shaped me. Seeing the impact we humans have had on these incredible ecosystems over my lifetime and how important it is to protect them makes me want to get involved with Wilderness International.

These ecosystems give us so much every day. That's why I want to do what I can to give back and help protect them. In this way, I can help ensure that my children can live and play in the wild and that nature teaches them who they are and what they can be, for generations to come.

When I'm not working, I'm on the boat or skiing with my family, taking time to unwind and enjoy this wild place we call home. My involvement with Wilderness International and the path this great organization has taken allows me to take action. It allows me to give nature a voice before it is too late and these ecosystems are gone forever. I am truly grateful to be part of WI and hope that it inspires more people to take action for nature as well.

Wild nature is a source of inspiration for me and I feel at home there. Next to a huge tree in the old-growth forest, on the foggy riverbank or sitting on a mountain - nature helps to recharge my batteries and to experience small and big wonders. In the last 20 years I have seen whole forest landscapes disappear, cities and roads have covered lakes and valleys. Pristine nature is becoming rarer by the year - at a frightening rate that compels action. I love nature and, as part of Wilderness International, I want to fight to ensure that our Earth will continue to be one thing: Wild and beautiful.

When I heard in the 5th grade about trees that are more than a hundred times older than me, I decided to participate in the Wilderness Run. It felt good to be able to actively do something for international and regional wilderness conservation. The opportunity to go on an expedition to Western Canada in 11th grade was an absolute game changer for me, because I could now experience the unique nature in the Toba Valley with all my senses. The vastness and untouched nature of the wilderness touched me so much that I wanted to continue my involvement with the foundation in the future. By organizing wilderness runs and especially as coordinator for the Wilderness Team Challenge, I was able to develop myself further and realize new ideas. A second expedition to our wilderness areas and to the West Arctic have again shown me the meaningfulness of my work - and expanded my craft and cultural skills.

I grew up near Vancouver, British Columbia and was fortunate to spend my time hiking through old growth forests and searching for wildlife in tide pools near the ocean. Growing up surrounded by the diverse ecosystems of the West Coast and witnessing their destruction further fueled my passion for conservation.

I have a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Victoria and worked in science communications for four years before joining Wilderness. My focus is marine mammals (especially orcas and humpback whales!) and the connection between land and sea. I'm excited to be a part of WI Canada and look forward to helping the organization educate others about the wonders of nature and protect endangered ecosystems for generations to come.