By: Charlotte Cullinan – Dickinson
Contributors: Anna MacKinnon, Jean-Claude Manzi and Logan Steeves
Each summer, Fundy Biosphere Region welcomes students who bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and passion for the area. Through hands-on fieldwork, community outreach, and opportunities to connect with the region’s internationally recognized natural and cultural heritage, students gain valuable skills while helping to share the story of the biosphere. This year, Charlotte, Anna, Jean – Claude and Logan reflect on their experiences working for FBR. Find their quotes below!
Anna:
I had previously been familiar with the area known as Fundy Biosphere Region through the 50 Amazing Places pamphlet. I had personally spent time completing items on the list. This in particular was an amazing personal experience and brought me closer to a lot of friends as we explored our way through what was essentially our own backyards, which we are lucky enough for on its own. With such a positive experience, the job posting opportunity immediately caught my attention as I was a soon-to-be graduate from the Maritime College of Forest Technology Forest Technician and Fish & Wildlife Technician program. You could have called it fan behaviour
The field team at FBR are incredibly supportive, and this summer’s experience was incomparable to any other. My work holds a lot of meaning to me, and working towards leading a career in conservation that leaves an impact is incredibly important to me which is what FBR allowed me to do. As a newly graduated student returning to school in the fall to complete a Bachelor of Science, my direct working experience as a forest technician is limited. This job with FBR, and every opportunity they have graciously provided me has completely affected my new experiences in this field, allowing me to learn and grow, be comfortable in my field and confident in my own abilities. I have created many professional friendships through this summer, and I will be grateful for what the Fundy Biosphere Region has brought to not only my career, but my life.
Charlotte:
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Fundy Biosphere Region this summer. Growing up in Saint John NB, I always loved visiting Fundy National Park and Fundy trail, but it was not until last year that I truly learned about the Biosphere Region. Discovering that the area is UNESCO-designated and internationally recognized for its natural and cultural heritage was very eye opening and gave me a new appreciation for the region I was now living in. This inspired me to want to share this story with others.
As a Nature Interpreter / Project Officer, I have the privilege of doing just that, engaging with the public and promoting the Amazing Places that make this region so special. One of my favourite events this summer was the Salisbury Block Parties, where I had the chance to connect with the community and share about exciting conservation efforts we are exploring for the area. I am thrilled to be continuing my work with the Biosphere Region part-time this fall as I begin my graduate studies. This experience has also allowed me to strengthen my skills and build valuable connections that will support me in career development. A big thank you to all of my amazing coworkers at Fundy Biosphere Region, I will miss seeing you in person everyday.
Jean-Claude:
Before this summer I used to think that I knew FUNDY!!! As a student I used to hear my lecturers talking about Fundy in Class. But after being given the opportunity to work with Fundy Biosphere Region, discover several of the amazing places, observing its endemic fauna and flora, and interacting with the community and persons working for its conservation, I can say the Region got my heart. I will always remember the view during my trip from St. Martins to Alma through the Fundy National Park was very diverse and beautiful, the road winding along the coast, it was quite a show.
My role as a Nature Interpreter / Project Officer has allowed me to connect with people, raising awareness of this unique place and bringing them closer to nature. I participated in community events in an innovative way to create a channel to inform the community about sustainable practices for conservation.
Logan:
Working as a summer student forest technician for the last two summers with the Fundy Biosphere Region has allowed me to apply and expand on what I learned at the Maritime College of Forest Technology. During my two summers, I’ve gained hands-on experience in assessing wetlands, carbon inventories, invasive species removal, songbird surveys, tree planting, and many other projects. These Projects have deepened my technical skills and understanding of sustainable forest management while connecting me with meaningful conservation work. Being a part of these projects with the FBR has also allowed me to meet a variety of people and make positive connections in the field of work I am pursuing. This foundation has led me to the role as the Lead Forest Technician at the FBR, where I will continue to grow professionally and contribute to the region’s ecological stewardship. That being said I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me here and I look forward to what is to come from it.
Fundy Biosphere Region is proud to support the next generation of students working within the environmental & conservation sector. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our student team this summer, and we look forward to seeing how their experiences here will shape their future endeavors. Thank you so much Charlotte, Anna, Jean-Claude and Logan!
