NAME: Larry
POSITION: Naturalist
LOCATION: Kootenay National Park of Canada

"As a naturalist with Parks Canada, I help achieve our ecological objectives and communicate the stories of species at risk to the public through education programs.

"In particular, I research, monitor and develop recovery plans for endangered species at risk. I also encourage protecting rare ecosystems in other jurisdictions, such as the areas surrounding a national park. For example, in the areas near Kootenay National Park of Canada, we have increased the awareness of ecological issues, which have led to changes in decisions made adjacent to the park. Projects like Wings Over the Rockies and Bighorn in Our Backyard have received a great deal of praise, locally, regionally and internationally.

"Another important part of my job is to develop contacts and encourage initiatives and outreach activities. My job includes liaison and cooperation with various other ministries and organizations, namely the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, the B.C. Conservation Data Centre, the World Wildlife Fund, Environment Canada and the United Nations. These connections enable me to participate in national and international monitoring initiatives, such as wetland monitoring, breeding bird surveys, frog and osprey watch, etc."