The Colleen Findlay Foundation recently made available a bursary fund for Metro Vancouver families who might not otherwise be able to participate in Wild & Immersive programming which ranges from fully supervised overnight summer camps to weekly forest school sessions during the school year.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this bursary to families as we recognize that every child deserves the chance to connect with nature and experience the benefits of it firsthand,” says Liz Smith, MKRF Business Improvement Coordinator. “The programs help participants build their physical, mental and social wellbeing and generates awareness about the role we all play in creating a healthy and sustainable planet.”
Although 2022 summer programs are full applications for the bursary are currently being accepted for fall and spring programs.
“We have popular programs that run all year round,” assures Smith.
Bursary Application Considerations
Applicants must explain their financial needs, and proof of hardship or income confirmation will be requested
Children and youth must be in the age range for the program they are applying for. The value of the bursary will vary according to the needs of the qualifying family
An application does not guarantee the receipt of a bursary, or the amount that you have applied for
Receipt of a bursary one year does not guarantee funds for the following year. Families will need to reapply for the program at each registration period
Forestry Summer Student at Lil’wat Forestry Ventures LC in Whistler, BC
For my first co-op term, I have been working as an Summer Forest Technician with Lil’wat Forestry Ventures Ltd., in the unceded territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. This opportunity has introduced me to many different aspects of the forestry industry.
We started the summer with tree planting, one of the more physically demanding jobs within forestry. Then, we learned how to conduct silviculture surveys, by taking data on tree species, heights, pests, brush, and overall plot characteristics. We then use the data we collected in the field to compile recommendations for future management of the block. Currently, we are preparing for fire season as a type 3 wildland firefighting crew.
This job has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of trees and forestry as a whole than I ever would have from a classroom. I am very fortunate to be able to work for a company that not only practices sustainable forestry, but also combines indigenous knowledge and values. Through this experience, I have gained a better understanding of forest management and how it can be improved in the future. I am honoured to work for a company that not only works with their community but also strives to help them any way they can.
Summer Forest Technician at Lil’wat Forestry Ventures in Mount Currie, BC
For my first co-op term, I am working as a summer forest technician with Lil’wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. (LFV), based out of the unceded territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. This position has provided me with a unique experience where I have been able to learn a multitude of new skills and gain experience in a variety of works within forest management. LFV has taught me how to conduct both regeneration surveys and land planning surveys in which we collect data in the field and use this data to prescribe future management. More recently, we have been moving into fire season, and I have been preparing to be a member of a contract firefighting crew. I am extremely grateful to be working for LFV and working within the Lil’wat community, for I believe this company is upholding important values often overlooked in forest management and I hope to carry all I learn here with me throughout my career
Summer Student Intern at Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society in Barriere, BC
For my first co-op work term, I am currently employed by the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society (LNTCFS) in Barriere, British Columbia. I work with two other fantastic summer students where we spend the majority of our days in Barriere’s forests contributing to various projects for the LNTCFS.
We recently completed our tree planting project where we planted about 4000 trees between the three of us in seven working days. Although tree planting was extremely tough and we were exceptionally slow at it compared to the professional tree planters we got to meet, we loved the work and felt fulfilled at the end of each day. We also created and delivered a presentation for two classes at the local high school centered around climate change and a smartphone app called iNaturalist. Some of our current projects include quickly wrapping up brushing and moving into pre-commercial thinning before a fire ban is implemented. We are also responsible for recording and emptying the bark beetle traps scattered across the community forest.
Summer Field Technician at Silvicon Services Inc in Smithers, BC
For my co op term this summer I chose to work in Smithers BC with Silvicon Services Inc. My main job is assisting in completing waste and residue surveys of cut-blocks. We do work for multiple different clients, including CANFOR. I have learned various skills related to my specific job such as how to operate a quad and properly use a compass, and have also gained valuable insight into how the forestry industry works. I find this part of my job the most interesting, since forestry is such a large part of BC’s economy. If you are forestry student who is unsure if they want to pursue a career in the forestry industry I would highly recommend joining the Co-op program, as doing this job has allowed me to see what my potential future in the industry could be. It is impossible to get the same kind of understanding of the industry in a classroom.
Invasive Plant Technician at Spectrum Resource Group Inc. in BC
I started working for Spectrum Resource Group Inc. at this time period as an invasive plants technician. My primary responsibilities include choosing and implementing efficient management and control tactics, compiling and analysing data on invasive species populations, and determining how effective control measures are. I’ve learnt a lot about invasive plant species in British Columbia this term, including how to treat them appropriately. I’ve also had the chance to interact with locals and raise awareness of invasive species among the general public. The co-op work term gives me a fantastic opportunity to put the course contents into practice and gives me a newfound understanding of course concepts, both of which will be very helpful to me in the future.
Park Worker at Metro Vancouver (Parks and Environment) in Vancouver, BC
This summer I took the opportunity to work in Pacific Spirit Park as a Park Worker with Metro Vancouver in the Parks and Environment Department. As a park worker in the Operations unit, I contribute to completing daily operational tasks including vegetation management and other small maintenance projects. The Operations team assists various with non-profit organizations to facilitate events and volunteer work parties often focussing on restoration projects. The collaboration with these organizations promotes public awareness to environmental stewardship. Overall, this position has allowed me a greater appreciation for the work that is required to maintain natural recreational spaces in urban environments and has opened my eyes to the unique challenges and benefits of working in a government position. I have met and worked with so many wonderful people- I am grateful that Co-op has provided me with this opportunity!
In place for two years, the IISMA program was designed to ensure top Indonesian students have opportunities to take university classes not typically offered in their own country as well as further develop leadership skills in a multicultural setting. The incoming group is the second cohort UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship has hosted.
In addition to the competition students face when applying for the program, universities around the world have the same challenge.
“Our global world ranking, award-winning faculty and experience with hosting international students were pivotal deciding factors in determining we would be selected for this wonderful opportunity,” says Neuvonen.
A total of 73 universities from 30 different countries were named to host the students. The University of Waterloo was the only other Canadian university chosen to take part in the program.
“While the students are attending UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship classes, the plan is they will also engage in cross-cultural experiences,” says Neuvonen.
For my first Co-op work term, I have been working at Canfor’s Elko sawmill. My main task has been working with simulations to determine the ideal log diameters for a new sorting system. Over my work term, I have gained knowledge of the machinery, terminology, and processes involved in wood processing operations. I highly recommend the Co-op program to everyone, especially in forestry. The skills I have learned will not only help me in my future job search but will also enable me to apply what I learned to my classes back at UBC
Junior Forestry Technician with Integrated ProAction Corp. in Kamloops, BC
For my first Co-op term, I have been working at Integrated ProAction Corp (IPAC) as a Junior Forestry Technician. During this term I have become familiar in various areas of site assessment such as stream and old growth deferral area classification. I have also gained experience with ecosystem mapping which includes creating site plan plots and mapping areas based on silviculture prescription plot information. Another area within forestry that has been a key point of my focus while working at IPAC has been layout and development. This includes cut block and road layout along with timber cruising. Within cut blocks, I work on riparian management zones based on forest stewardship plans and forest planning and practices regulations requirements. I also perform timber cruises and old growth deferral area classification cruising. This Co-op term has allowed me to improve skills in areas such as road layout and cruising that I learned in classes at UBC and explore the different areas of forestry that I would be interested in pursuing in the future.
