header

Spring 2023

Newsletter Archive

 

Executive Director's Message

article image

This newsletter I am handing over the Executive Director's message to our outgoing Board Chair, Ryan Smith. Ryan has served as a Miistakis Board member for the past six years and as Chair for the past 2.5 years. I personally would like to thank Ryan for his dedication to Miistakis and the support and leadership he has provided to me and to the organization.

When I was asked to join the board of the Miistakis Institute in 2016, I was genuinely honored. I had not served as a governance board member before so this was a completely new experience for me - uncharted territory a little removed from my expertise. Serving my two terms as a board member for the Miistakis Institute has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in my career. I learned a lot about people and board governance from past and current board members. I also learned a lot about myself and what I value in terms of environmental conservation and the importance of this shared environment we all live, work, and play in. But more importantly, I learned a lot about the incredible conservation efforts the Miistakis Institute undertakes through its passionate and resilient staff. I also want to take this time to thank all of the generous support that the Miistakis Institute has received from donors, volunteers, and partnering organizations. Your support has helped advance our understanding of ecological health, connectivity, and conservation through amazing projects like Calgary Captured, Call of the Wetland, Beaver Coexistence, and private land conservation.

I wish Craig Harding, the new Board Chair, and the rest of the board and staff at the Miistakis Institute many more successful years in engaging the public and decision makers to preserve and create healthy landscapes!

Ryan Smith