Staff of CPAWS NB - CPAWS New Brunswick

Roberta Clowater – Executive Director

Roberta Clowater has been the Executive Director of the New Brunswick Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society since its creation in 2004. Roberta holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Arts in Regional Planning and Resource Development from the University of Waterloo.

Roberta has worked for the past 28 years in leadership roles for non-governmental conservation organizations in New Brunswick, and has served as Chair of the New Brunswick government’s Protected Natural Areas Provincial Advisory Committee, a member of the Task Force on Forest Diversity and Wood Supply (2005-2009), a founding member of the NB Wildlife Council (1997-2000), and current Chair of the Board for the international Two Countries, One Forest network. Since 2007, she has taught undergraduate courses at St. Thomas University and at the University of New Brunswick.

Roberta loves a quiet, meandering ramble where she can explore all the little treasures that nature has to offer, like mushrooms, tiny plants, or tide pools!

Danielle Hak – Education and Engagement Manger

Danielle (she/her) is an environmental educator, who is passionate about engaging all people in the environment movement and empowering everyone, especially youth, to take action to help local nature and wildlife. Some of Danielle’s earliest memories include exploring the forests and rivers near her home, which continues to inspire her to share her love for nature with others.

At CPAWS NB, Danielle manages multiple education programs and community engagement campaigns focusing on ocean conservation. In this role, she facilitates outdoor activities to grow the love for New Brunswick wildlife, and connect with people across the province who care about conserving some of New Brunswick’s most important and beautiful coastal and ocean areas.

Melanie Bancroft – Conservation Manager

Mel grew up playing in the forest and along the shores of the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec. From a young age she’s had a deep connection to nature. Her studies at Mount Allison University (Masters of Environmental Science and Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Canadian Studies) helped her deepen her understanding of her surrounding landscapes, both ecological and political. She brings her experience in research, project management and communications to her work in conservation.

With a passion for communicating the importance of protecting the natural environment, Mel loves being part of a team that is working towards this common goal. She loves the outdoors and will most often be found trail walking with her dog, gardening in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Emily Ruttan – Conservation Engagement Coordinator

Emily Ruttan (she/her) is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Natural Resources, majoring in Water Resource Management.

Through her work at CPAWS NB, Emily has been leading projects with a goal to build healthy and resilient forests that uplift New Brunswick’s natural legacy, for wildlife and communities alike. Emily has also been educating students across the province about conservation and how they can make a difference in their own communities.

While not working, Emily can be found identifying native plant species to anyone who will listen, birding, and walking her German Shepherd, Callie.

Melodie Dupont – Summer Conservation Assistant

Melodie (she/her) is a university student passionate about the environment and geology. She is joining the earth sciences program at the University of New Brunswick this fall. In her free time, she loves to read, sew, craft, and play softball. This summer she will be working mostly on our Get Outside program to connect people with nature.

Sarah Hobbs – Summer Conservation Assistant

Sarah Hobbs (she/her) completed a Bachelor of Biology from Acadia University and is a recent graduate of the Master of Marine Management program at Dalhousie University. Sarah has always loved spending time outside and being involved in conservation, ecology, and science communication work. This summer Sarah is going to be working on the Get Outside! NB program and is looking forward to spending time engaging with the public and getting people excited about being in nature.