I’m passionate about the links between outdoor recreation and conservation, and so I work hard to try to help people try hiking, paddling, and nature activities for the first time, and keep them involved in the outdoor scene. We are very lucky in NL to have Paddle NL, the East Coast Trail Association, the Wildflower Society, the MUN Botanical Garden, Cod Sounds, of course Nature NL, and many other ways to help get outside (not to mention the ability to hike, paddle, collect wild foods, and explore almost anywhere you please!). I see recreation as important in its own right for the physical, emotional, and social benefits it brings, but also as a pathway that often leads people to care more about our great outdoors.
Before covid ruined lots of group activities, I led birdwatching walks at Manuels River for a couple of years, and hope to pick up this type of hike leading again eventually when it’s safe again. I was an event leader and co-leader at the McMaster Outdoor Club and lead hikes, workshops, and weekends at Nature NL now. I’m also an instructor and volunteer with the NL Becoming an Outdoorswoman program, where everyone can learn foundational skills in hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing, shooting, wildlife and plant identification, tracking, archery, gardening, etc with a huge range of very talented instructors. This affordable and supportive program is offered twice per year in rotating locations across the province (including in Labrador). Some of my first exposure to outdoor pursuits was at the Women’s Outdoor Weekend, so I’m incredibly happy to be able to contribute to this kind of program now.
I paddle a Tieken IceFloe and love to explore the coasts and ponds of NL, mostly on the lookout for birds and berries (and good bakeries).
My other love is dancing! I love the combination of spatial thinking, social interaction, healthy living, and artistic expression. Latin, ballroom, lindy hop, line dancing, and of course zombie dancing, it’s all good 🙂 and the only way to get better is lots of practice! I currently help out as a TA at the JR Enterprises classes (merengue, jive, salsa, etc) inside the new Cirqueletics facility and love helping others learn.
Here is a random dance project I’m working on:
