Proud to be a part of protecting and restoring natural habitats for future generations

Spending her childhood exploring nature and the beautiful, rugged coastal landscapes around her native Nova Scotia, Katie Scott has always had a love of the outdoors. Combining both her passion for conservation with a background in biology and education, Scott’s role as outreach specialist for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in Atlantic Canada allows her to experience the best of both worlds and share her strong connection with nature with others.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors and that really steered my interest as I began my post-secondary studies,” says Scott.

Based out of the Wetland Centre in the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, a partnership between DUC and the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry, Scott oversees educational programming and organizing the many interactive activities offered at the centre and throughout the region. Designed to connect visitors to nature, activities include on-site field trips where guests can try critter-dipping and partake in bird watching, as well as nature walks throughout the park’s trail system. With over 30,000 visitors last year, the centre is a popular destination for students, families and anyone interested in outdoor recreational activities.

“Our biggest project right now is the wetland field trip program—we organize field trips for students to visit the centre, but also other areas all over Nova Scotia,” says Scott. “Our goal is to provide accessible, fun educational programming so we can share the wonder of wetlands and nature with our visitors and the importance of protecting these natural spaces.”

A lifelong love of the outdoors

After completing her undergraduate studies in biology at Dalhousie University, Scott went on to pursue her Bachelor of Education and became an elementary school teacher. Following a few years of teaching, Scott missed being immersed in nature and the opportunity to use her science background. She then took a position at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park before joining the DUC education and outreach team in 2014.