Always look for the helpers
It’s been an incredible year, and we have a lot of community to thank for it.
It has been an incredible year, albeit a bit of a roller coaster, truly.
There have been numerous twists and turns, and many high points. We want to take a minute and feature a few of the events at Raincoast that are on our mind. Before we get into our personal highlights reel, here’s a few updates.
We’ve sent Tracking Raincoast into 2025 to the printer and it will be ready soon. Canada Post continues to be on strike and so we are asking people to reach out to us to find out how you can give online, over the phone, or courier us a cheque. We can ensure you receive your 2024 tax receipt.
In the meantime, we are planning to publish the online version of Tracking Raincoast in December. Preparing Tracking is always energizing and it helps us realize how much we’ve accomplished. From scanning our Notes From the Field and press releases from 2024, it becomes evident just how much our teams have been up to.
Here’s a favourite of ours from the inexorable Sharon Kay, “Learning from the two lives of Grad school”, in which she reflects on her research, her field work, and what it means to be a biologist.
We’re doing our best to keep robust scientific research moving forward. You can see the cetacean team pushing back in our op-ed, “Fact over fiction: The realities of endangered killer whales.”
It’s so important for Raincoast to continue to put the science front and centre for decision-makers and also the general public.
We published quite a few reports this year. “Nature-based Solutions for addressing climate risks and fostering biodiversity in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia” was one of many solutions-focussed reports published in 2024. When we’re thinking about the security and prosperity of the people of BC, we can’t think of more important topics than habitat loss, flood mitigation, and stormwater management.
A selection of articles from 2024
We haven’t said very much about this, yet, but we’re on the cusp of releasing our new podcast, Raincoast Radio. We’re so excited about this new audio adventure.
We’ve announced several new team members to the Cetacean team including Drs. Amy Rowley and Erin Wall, as well as Dylan Smyth. Finishing his master’s, Dylan is helping to keep our listening stations running as smoothly as possible and ensuring that the data keeps rolling in for our underwater noise research. And for the Forest Program, Priya Puri has been taking on the habitat restoration and forest management responsibilities.
As an aside, co-author of this article, Marlie Temple, is also in an important new role.
With everything going on in the world and at home, the work, brilliance, and sheer heart that our colleagues have for the work they do gives us the necessary inspiration to keep going.
We have a lot of love for our coworkers. They’re helpers and we look to them. Every day. And the incredible insights and passion they have for conservation science keeps us fueled and hopeful.1
We hope they fuel your hope too.
If you’re looking for gifts for your friends and family check out our online auction. Make a bid on an unforgettable trip along the coast, a personal tour and lunch on Pender Island, or some locally sourced Raincoast gear.
Explore the uniquely beautiful Haida Gwaii or the incredibly rich waters off of northern Vancouver Island by sailboat. Relax at a remote wilderness lodge in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago while guides tailor your stay to suit your interests, whether that be bear viewing up stunning mainland inlets, kayaking, or adventuring in the famous Blackfish Sound.
This auction is made possible with the support of Farewell Harbour Lodge and Bluewater Adventures. They’re helpers.
Always look for the helpers.
Notes and references
- “Always look for the helpers.” https://youtu.be/-LGHtc_D328?si=u5FyqU7pXwcY76b2
You can help
Raincoast’s in-house scientists, collaborating graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors make us unique among conservation groups. We work with First Nations, academic institutions, government, and other NGOs to build support and inform decisions that protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the wildlife that depend on them. We conduct ethically applied, process-oriented, and hypothesis-driven research that has immediate and relevant utility for conservation deliberations and the collective body of scientific knowledge.
We investigate to understand coastal species and processes. We inform by bringing science to decision-makers and communities. We inspire action to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats.
