Meet Cindy, one of our amazing NatureKids BC volunteers! Cindy has been volunteering with us and connecting Bulkley Valley families to nature since 2020.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you experience nature around you?
I have a Bachelor of Science from The King’s University in Edmonton and have been working as an environmental educator since 1993 in everything from nature centres (John Janzen in Edmonton and now Buck Creek Nature Centre in Houston BC) and Alberta Provincial Parks (Writing on Stone, Sir Winston Churchill and Lesser Slave Lake) to working with churches and schools through A Rocha Canada (since 1996) to increase environmental literacy and a love for the natural world. The natural world (aka creation in my circles) is not only the backdrop for my entertainment but is something that I love dearly, am always amazed by, go to for comfort and peace, feel called to care for in my lifestyle choices and will share with anyone who will go on a walk with me. Presently I run a small nature centre and salmon hatchery in Houston, BC.
What do you like about volunteering and what inspired you to join NatureKids BC?
I love having the support of NatureKids BC. Since this is also my career path I would probably look to host these kinds of programs at the nature centre but partnering with a larger organization like NatureKids BC provides valuable resources, support and mentorship for both us as leaders and the families. I love being able to offer the NatureWILD magazine and resources to families that membership with NatureKids BC provides. And since Bulkley Valley NatureKids BC is not tied to the nature centre in Houston I get the opportunity to interact with families in Smithers, Telkwa and even Burns Lake that I wouldn’t be able to if I just focused on the nature centre.
Do you have a favourite NatureKids BC moment that you can share with us?
Our NatureKids BC Club is new so right now my favorite one was the Plant Walk Explorer Day where we were surprised with 20 people who showed up to take a lovely walk with a local Forester to learn about edible and medicinal plants. We usually only get one of two families so it was so fun to see so many kids and parents enjoying the Silverthorne Lake trail and being curious about the plants and animals here.
Become a member today and discover Explorer Days in your community!