Meet the New CPAWS NB Staff Members!
CPAWS New Brunswick is excited to welcome two new additions to our staff! We are excited to share Laura MacKinnon has taken on the role of Conservation Engagement Assistant as a full-time staff member. Sarah Sheppard will be our Summer Conservation Assistant before heading back to school in the fall.
Get to know Sarah and Laura more below!
Sarah- Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Sheppard, and I am from St. Stephen, New Brunswick. I am so excited to work with CPAWS NB this summer! I finished my Bachelor of Science in Biology-Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick this spring and I will be attending Dalhousie Medical School this fall. I have a strong passion for community outreach & education. My experience with science outreach led me to purse a position where I can help spread knowledge about nature and conservation in New Brunswick. Aside from work and school, I also enjoy gardening, biking, hiking, and enjoying time with my two cats.
Laura- My name is Laura MacKinnon, and I’m so excited to be joining the CPAWS NB team! I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick and have been so lucky to experience all the natural beauty the province has to offer throughout my life. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. I have a strong passion for wildlife with a special interest in Ethology (the study of animal behavior). I have recently become a bird enthusiast, so in my spare time I love to explore New Brunswick while adding new birds to my life list!
What first sparked your interest in the environment?
Sarah- Growing up in rural New Brunswick near the Southern coast, I was always surrounded by nature, and the Bay of Fundy was only a short drive away. My favourite memories growing up were learning all about the plants and animals of New Brunswick and how we can respect them while enjoying the land and water. I feel privileged to have been able to experience a dynamic perspective on both the forests and oceans of New Brunswick. Being able to experience nature during my youth created a lifelong interest in the environment and a need to conserve these areas for the future generations.
Laura- My interest in the environment started at a young age, sparked by sightings of wildlife during trips on the Fundy Rose Ferry across the Bay of Fundy. Over time, my interest in marine wildlife grew into an appreciation for all aspects of nature. It was during my undergraduate studies that I particularly became interested in conservation and environmental work. I wish I could say conservation and environmental stewardship have been lifelong passions of mine, but I’ve come to learn it’s never too late to be curious, get outside, and start making a meaningful impact.
What are your favourite ways to enjoy nature in New Brunswick?
Sarah- I am grateful to live in such a beautiful province, so I like to enjoy nature in as many ways as possible. I enjoy hiking all year round on the local trails in my area. Over the summer, I love to travel to the different parks around the Maritimes to hike new trails. When the weather is nice, I also enjoy biking with friends on the outskirts of our city. Biking allows me to get further out of the city on a daily basis, while also being able to slow down and experience nature.
Laura- One of the ways I love to enjoy nature is by going for walks at local parks and hiking various trails around the province. I particularly enjoy birdwatching, as it allows me to slow down and take in all aspects of nature! I really enjoy photography as well, so I love to bring my camera with me for these adventures in hopes of capturing some photos of wildlife. I really love camping and look forward to exploring more of New Brunswick every summer by planning camping trips.
What part of working for CPAWS NB are you most looking forward to?
Sarah- I am most excited to work on the Get Outside program. I am looking forward to inspiring folks interested in protecting nature, by sharing about New Brunswick’s natural areas and what they have to offer. I believe the program is important to teach residents and visitors of New Brunswick how to enjoy nature while also taking care of it. I hope that I can help people take action to protect nature by encouraging them to get outside!
Laura- I am most looking forward to learning from the amazing CPAWS NB staff who have been dedicated to conservation work for many years. I’m also looking forward to being a part of campaign work to protect the wilderness we all love and need. Another highlight for me is supporting the Get Outside! NB program in parks, where I hope to help foster meaningful connections to nature with people of all ages. I’m thrilled to be involved in the conservation efforts happening here in New Brunswick and hope to share my enthusiasm for our work with others.
Laura and Sarah are so excited to get to work on Get Outside! NB events and other projects. Keep an eye out for the CPAWS NB team at your local parks this summer. We cannot wait for you to Get Outside with us!
