Stan Hodgkiss Outdoorsperson of the Year Award

Stilesville, New Brunswick

Heather has a remarkable 40-year career in forestry, fish and wildlife, and environmental management. She taught outdoor science-based education for more than three decades. She managed 6,000 hectares of forest for the City of Moncton and developed a model watershed stewardship program. She collaborated with private landowners and large corporations to conserve and protect natural resources. She built and ran the only municipal sugar bush operation in Canada, where she has educated thousands over 22 years.

An avid hiker, biker, camper and fisher, Heather lives and breathes sustainability and the conservation and protection of all natural resources. She is passionate about engagement.

It all started when I was two. My grandfather loved the outdoors and taught me all he knew about the forest, ecosystems, wildlife, water, flora and fauna, and so much more. His passion led me to my career in forestry, fish and wildlife, and environmental management. All these teachings that he learned from his father and grandfather were shared with me in stories and memories he had from the forest.

With technology becoming so popular among young children, I feel an obligation to get more students outdoors learning science. I have been teaching outdoor science-based education for decades and have seen the different opportunities nature gives children of all ages to learn and thrive.

Since 1975, this award has been presented to a Canadian who has demonstrated an active and enduring commitment to conservation. It is named in honour of CWF’s founding president, Stan Hodgkiss.