A Rocha recently added a new, high-level role to our conservation science team – a national conservation science director who will oversee all A Rocha’s science initiatives across Canada. While the role is new, the person filling that role is hardly new to the A Rocha scene.
While still in university, Christy Juteau served as one of A Rocha Canada’s very first interns. That was nearly 17 years ago. Since then Christy has served with both the private and public environment sector and more recently has led the Brooksdale Environmental Centre’s conservation work.
When Christy joined the A Rocha team in April 2011 she honed the focus on conservation science in the Little Campbell River watershed. Under her leadership, A Rocha Brooksdale’s conservation team shifted their priorities to long term monitoring of species at risk in the watershed. This work was aided by significant federal funding and the discovery of the endangered Salish Sucker. Christy’s Brooksdale role has been filled by the very able and affable Andrew Baylis who will build on his three years of experience with A Rocha as he takes on the role of Brooksdale’s Conservation Science Coordinator. Rounding out the Brooksdale Conservation Team is Jesse Wildeman who continues to serve as a Habitat Restoration Biologist.
Andrew Baylis
Brooksdale Conservation Science Coordinator
Jesse Wildeman
Brooksdale Habitat Restoration Biologist
Christy’s new role will have national reach. In addition to maintaining significant focus on the Little Campbell River, Christy will help build conservation science initiatives at other national A Rocha Canada sites in Ontario, Manitoba, Northern BC, and other emerging sites.
The new national title and scope enables Christy to raise the profile of our conservation science work as well as strengthen A Rocha’s science efforts through connections with our Science Advisory Team and other partners (local, provincial and national government agencies, stewardship groups, international partners).
When asked how she feels about taking on this new role, Christy responded, “I am excited to see the fruit of A Rocha’s conservation work as we stay committed to particular places over the long term. We have a unique opportunity to draw people together across multiple jurisdictions to see conservation happen on a watershed scale.”
Reflecting on the importance of being committed to a particular places, Christy said, “ I am committed to collecting data on our sensitive species and their habitats over the long term, despite shifting priorities and decreased capacity in government environment sectors. I am excited to see the impact that interns have as they leave A Rocha and are inspired to take care of their places around the world.”
