Mentoring conservation-minded professionals

Introducing young people to careers in conservation and encouraging them to pursue their passions related to the natural world are critical to the future of organizations like DUC.

Project Learning Tree Canada, an initiative of our partners at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, uses trees and forests as windows on the world to inspire action and grow future forest and conservation leaders. PLT Canada offers a variety of environmental education and professional development services. One of those services is the PLT Canada Green Mentor program that connects adults aged 18-30 to professionals in the forest and conservation sector for a six-month period. The mentor shares advice and their experiences so that the mentee can learn more about the workforce. But the mentor also learns from the mentee, as they have a fresh perspective of the field.

DUC is fortunate to have many employees with extensive experience and knowledge to share as mentors. Bev Gingras, DUC’s head of boreal conservation programs, is a regular participant in the PLT Canada Green Mentor program. In May, she was a speaker for the “Starting Off Strong in Your New Green Job” online talk for young professionals, offering her advice on how to network, build skills and gain knowledge.

“I am continually impressed by the young professionals I meet through the PLT Canada Green Mentor program,” says Gingras. “They are passionate about the environment but are also very civic-minded and extremely knowledgeable about the big issues society is facing today. The future of conservation is in good hands.”