Meet the CPAWS-NB Team: Courtney and Claire

Did you hear? CPAWS-NB celebrated a big anniversary this year: 15 years serving our province in advocacy for nature and conservation! As the new year fast approaches, we wanted to take the time to introduce you to our wonderful team who have worked hard to make made years past, present, and future successful.

The staff at CPAWS-NB work as a great team—one united by a shared vision of a protected New Brunswick where biodiversity thrive and communities across our province appreciate and enjoy natural wonders from wetland, to forest, to river, to ocean. Under the leadership of our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater, the women of CPAWS-NB are leaders in their own right: giving voices to ecosystems and connecting with New Brunswickers to inspire a love of nature and a desire to protect it. Two of those leaders, Courtney and Claire, have shared their experience and insight on all things CPAWS-NB with you!

Meet Claire Vézina! A New Brunswicker who’s upbringing in nature has inspired her to join our team as the Conservation Engagement Assistant.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

I coordinate the Watch Your Paws Education Program where we visit classrooms between grades 4 and 6 to teach the students about New Brunswick animals, the importance of protected areas, and responsible action in nature. I also translate our social media posts and action pages to French, as well as oversee our Facebook page.

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

I applied for a summer internship with CPAWS NB in 2018 and experienced some of the programs the organization runs in the summer months. I was also very fortunate to get insight into the work CPAWS NB does in conservation in the province through Roberta, our Executive Director. When I came back to Fredericton at the end of this summer (2019), I very much wanted to return to environmental work, and was lucky enough to be offered a position with CPAWS NB for the year. So far, I am enjoying my experience with this organization!

What motivates you to work in the environmental movement? 

I think having grown up in and to be living in a province with so much natural beauty is the basis of my motivation. My parents took me out into nature and shared their love of nature as soon as I was born. I grew up feeling grateful for this beautiful place we call home. As I interacted with the world around me, I realized that those who did not feel the same sense of urgency I felt for protecting our natural spaces had never really been exposed to them. I knew I had to find a way to get people outside so they could experience it too.

It is still that sense of gratitude for nature that motivates me to work in the environmental movement. Nature has given us so much, and it is only fair that we return the favor.

Tell us something uniquely you…

 In 2017, I competed in Dublin, Ireland at the World Championships of Irish Dance!

Courtney Piercy joined our team in 2017 and has been a big help in our marine protected area projects! She currently works as our Marine Education Coordinator.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

 I coordinate our marine and coastal conservation campaigns. A big part of this is highlighting the importance and diversity of these often-mysterious areas located in our own backyard!   

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

I’ve always been passionate about the environment, conservation and sharing these passions with others. My position at CPAWS NB allows me to work on conservation initiatives within our province as well as connect people to nature through education and outreach opportunities.

 What motivates you to work in the environmental movement?

I grew up in rural New Brunswick, with many opportunities to experience our province’s nature just minutes from my door. My connection to nature since childhood drives me to work in the environmental field – from work on conservation campaigns, to helping others appreciate and explore the natural areas New Brunswick has to offer!   

Tell us something uniquely you…

I’m most at home when I’m on, or in the water. Through school, work and volunteer opportunities I’ve had up-close encounters with sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins and manatees. Whale sharks are next on my bucket list!

With our 16^th year in action and advocacy ahead, we asked Claire and Courtney what they’re looking forward to most! Not surprisingly, our team is really excited to see conservation coverage increase in the province.

What are you most looking forward to for CPAWS in 2020?

Claire: I am very excited to see our province make steps to protect 10% of our natural areas, and I’m particularly excited to see CPAWS NB’s ongoing project to establish the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Park finally underway! I am also looking forward to seeing my first Watch Your Paws School Program through.

Courtney: Seeing the government of New Brunswick act on their promise of protecting 10% of the province for nature, a big step forward for New Brunswick conservation efforts!

The year ahead is sure to be an exciting one with these two a part of our team, and we can’t be more thankful to have them. Stay tuned in January to learn about the rest of our team—Kelsey, Brittany, Steve, and, of course, Roberta will share their stories in the new year!

The CPAWS-NB team wishes you and your communities a happy holiday season and a very bright new year! Thank you for sharing this conservation journey with us.

Give the gift of nature! Support the work of CPAWS-NB in protecting New Brunswick’s wilderness with a donation today.

Header photo by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios