Intern Insights - Goodbye

I’m sad to say that today is my last day with CPAWS-OV. As my Katimavik program draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting even more about my time with CPAWS. Without a doubt, working with this organization has been the highlight of my stay in Ottawa: from brainstorming conservation strategies, to updating the Twitter and Facebook streams, and even debating Canadian politics with the board members after a two hour meeting, I’ve immensely enjoyed my work, the cause, and getting to know the people I work with.

My first major project was working on and coordinating the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. We hosted two cleanups, at Dow’s Lake and Mud Lake Conservation Area, removing what I estimate as 200 kg of litter. We had over sixty fabulous volunteers between the two locations, including students, CPAWS members, members of the immediate community, and Katimavik volunteers.

If you were amused, intrigued, or pestered (or perhaps a combination thereof!) by our posts to Twitter and Facebook, I was probably the one behind them. Although I’m personally not big on social media, I really enjoyed seeing and learning about the way it plays a role in modern outreach for ENGOs. Through social media, CPAWS was able to bring a large amount of support to Anita Utas’ Save the Stittsville Beaver campaign. Eventually, Mayor Watson and city councilors suspended the trapping and vowed to create a city strategy for wildlife.

I also worked alongside the Gatineau Park and Outreach Committees to prepare and distribute a media release on the Highway 5 extension, which was picked up by Wakefield's The Lowdown, and helping to create plans for the campaign’s outreach.

More recently, my focus has been on the CPAWS-OV “A Year in Gatineau Park” calendar.  I contacted many vendors, helped in distribution and promotion, and manned info-booths selling them several times. I always felt so rewarded to be a part of CPAWS during my sessions at the booth, spreading the message and supporting the important campaigns, but also seeing people’s faces light up when they saw the stunning photos of the calendar.

Working with CPAWS was an immensely enjoyable and richly rewarding experience. I want to thank everyone on the board (especially Ken, Doug, Jim, Jay, and Stephen), everyone on the Outreach Committee (Allison, Kaitlin, Laura, and Marieke), the Gatineau Park Committee (Doug, Jim, Brett and Michael L.), the OV office team (Michael G. and Michael L.), the CPAWS National team, all the volunteers I’ve met, and of course our executive director John McDonnell. Thank you for your advice. Thank you for welcoming me and guiding me in such a wonderful organization. Thank you for teaching me, laughing with me, and volunteering with me. You were all a pleasure to work with, and I wish you all the best.

Adrian Southin