Nicholas is an ecologist currently working in Victoria BC, though he is originally from Waterdown, Ontario. He has worked in the private and public sectors in both provinces. He was formally trained as a terrestrial ecologist with a focus on ecosystem restoration. 

A big thank you Nick for sharing his experiences with us and for being so honest and candid. I hope it has helped shed some light on areas we can all improve on to ensure we create a welcoming and diverse industry. 

For this week’s challenge, we are going to dive more into the environmentally controversial issue of pets. Pets can contribute to a lot of environmental issues if the pet owner isn’t responsible and I’m not just talking about outdoor cats. Off-leash dogs can disturb nesting birds, spook mammals, and crush vegetation. So check out the resources and make sure you are being an environmentally responsible pet owner.

Off-leash dogs: https://www.protectnatureto.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Impacts-of-dogs-on-wildlife-10-Aug-16.pdf 

Eco-Friendly pet tips: https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/03/31/7-ways-to-be-an-eco-friendly-pet-owner 

Outdoor cats: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/moral-cost-of-cats-180960505/

ELB: https://www.el4biodiversity.ca/

I recorded this episode on the Williams Treaty, signed in 1923 by 7 Anishnaabe First Nations. The closest community to me is the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This region is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which they shared peacefully under the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today, it is still home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

Music by Scott Holmes
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmesd  

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