Fun fact: Each orca pod has

its own family song!

This summer, the 2018 Coastal Naturalist Program, now in its 13th season, offers BC Ferries customers the opportunity to discover the world beneath the waves, and more! BC Ferries and Parks Canada work together to present this successful program to inform, educate, and inspire travellers on board BC Ferries vessels about the wonders of BC’s coast. The program offers our customers the opportunity to connect with the coastal region, covering topics about the ocean, BC’s unique wildlife and marine life, coastal, nautical and cultural history, and hear stories that connect Canadians and visitors to Parks Canada’s incredible places.

The Coastal Naturalist Program runs from Wednesday, June 27th through Monday, September 3rd, 2018 on select BC Ferries vessels sailing between Vancouver Island and Vancouver. Plus, new this year, you’ll find Coastal Naturalists at some of our terminals.

Fifteen Coastal Naturalists engage with customers with short roving presentations and deliver a 20-minute program on select daytime sailings, offering a real life coastal experience.

The Coastal Naturalist Program helps to raise awareness of and increase appreciation for BC’s wildlife, marine life, geography, culture and history. Approximately 150,000 customers participate in onboard presentations each season, with seasonal program promotions reaching millions of customers.

The 2018 Coastal Naturalist Program is proudly presented by BC Ferries and Parks Canada.

BC Ferries & Parks Canada

2018 Coastal Naturalist Program

Coastal Naturalist Program DetailsCoastal NaturalistsWe started the 2018 year with a comprehensive audition process to find the best naturalists, and are proud to introduce a team of fifteen enthusiastic presenters for you to meet on board and in terminals.

On Board ProgramThe program runs from June 27th to September 3rd, 2018. The program is delivered seven days a week on select vessels travelling between Vancouver Island and Vancouver. Presentation schedules vary by route; please check the schedule to determine availability.

Coastal Naturalist Programs are offered on all statutory holidays during the summer period.

Vessels• Spirit of British Columbia• Spirit of Vancouver Island• Coastal Celebration • Queen of New Westminster• Coastal Renaissance• Queen of Oak Bay

NEW FOR 2018!Terminal ProgramThis year, the program will also run in select terminals from Friday to Sunday and holiday Mondays during the onboard season. Coastal Naturalists will be there to answer questions, tell stories and share experiences. Make sure to look for the Coastal Naturalist tents to learn more about what the BC coast has to offer!

Terminals• Tsawwassen• Swartz Bay• Horseshoe Bay• Departure Bay• Duke Point - Sundays and Mondays (Long weekends)

ScheduleThe Coastal Naturalist schedule is found at bcferries.com/onboard-experiences/Coastal_Experiences

“I’m new to British Columbia, and was interested in learning more about BC as I travelled on the ferry. Imagine my delight in realizing there was a knowledgeable naturalist on board! I learned so much that I didn’t know before. Coastal British Columbia is indeed a place of remarkable diversity, beauty and wonder! It is a treasure to be valued and cared for.”

– BC Ferries Customer

Meet our 2018 Coastal Naturalists!Ayla Hello! My name is Ayla. I am originally from New Jersey in the United States and have come to British Columbia to study Natural Resource Conservation at UBC. I am coming up on my first full year here on the BC coast and am absolutely loving it! My interests are widespread, but I have always loved studying differ-ent cultures and types of wildlife. I worked for a summer off the coast of New Brunswick on Grand Manan Island as an instructor and participant at a marine wildlife camp which I credit with fostering my fascination with the outdoors. Aside from exploring, my other hobbies include theatre and the arts. I have been a part of many theatre productions as an actress and twice as a director.

I would say my biggest passion at the moment is travel. So far I have traveled around Canada, the eastern coast of the United States, and throughout Central and Western Europe. I wish to eventually make it to each continent. This summer I am most looking forward to learning all about the place I am calling home right now. I hope to transmit all that I learn this summer to all those traveling between Tsawwassen and Vancouver Island!

Angie Hi everyone, my name’s Angie. I’m a born and raised Vancouverite with a passion and love for all things outdoors. Growing up I spent almost every weekend either out on our boat exploring Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands or skiing up at our cabin in Manning Park. This ignited my love of the forest and drove my desire to know more. I graduated from SFU with my Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science and am eager to share my knowledge and excitement for ecology with anyone willing to listen. I’ve worked for both the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World and am so excited to combine all that knowledge and experience with everything I’ll be learning as a Coastal Naturalist. Beyond my work life I like to go hiking and climbing throughout the lower mainland and I’m also currently training for my second season of triathlons.

Mary Hi, my name is Mary! I grew up in Burnaby, BC and have lived in beautiful British Columbia my whole life. I’ve recently graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology, and spent the last 4 months of my degree living and doing research at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, on the west coast of Vancouver Island! My research focuses mainly on how seaweeds are affected by warming ocean temperatures, and what we can do to protect marine environments in the face of climate change.

During my free time, I love traveling, hiking, SCUBA diving or just sitting down with a good crossword. This will be my first year as a Coastal Naturalist, and I can’t wait to meet new people, be outside and share my love for our oceans!

Colin Hello! My name is Colin. I’m a teacher-in-training at the University of Victoria. After two years in Natural Resource Sciences in BC’s interior, I realized my passion was to share the wonders of our world with others around me. Building on this passion for sharing our surroundings, I have experience working in BC’s Provincial Parks in both customer service and maintenance, as well as time as a science camp instructor. In my work, I’ve done everything from teaching school groups how to paddle a canoe to reopening disused nature trails for the public to experience the wonders of the wild.

My life outside of work closely reflects my career - you’ll find me backpacking, paddling, and roaming around Vancouver Island’s wilderness, learning at every opportunity. I dedicate part of my free time to interpretation with the Royal BC Museum. I also have a passion for aviation, photography and the history of this incredible place that I have the honour of calling home - British Columbia. For the second summer in a row, I am excited to have the opportunity to share all this with visitors and residents from such a unique vantage point.

Emma Hi, my name is Emma. I have lived near British Columbia’s west coast for much of my life and, like so many, have gained a curiosity and wonderment for the natural world as a result. I believe that this landscape has been formative to my identity and my pursued education in to the fields of biology and environmental studies —of which I am in my fourth year of undergraduate study at the University of Victoria. Last summer I was fortunate enough to fulfil a lifelong dream of researching humpback whale behavior while interning as a research assistant at the Alaska Whale Foundation. The experimental education I gained through the internship has heightened my appreciation for the intricacies of marine life, and my fascination for hump-back whales.

Besides being in nature, creative expression also contributes to my sense of wellbeing. Much of my free time is spent illustrating, practicing film photography, and collecting vintage homewares. I am looking forward to merging my ecological and artistic in-terests through the creative and experiential forms of educating that this Coastal Naturalist opportunity provides!

Erin My name is Erin and I am a huge outdoor enthusiast! I have lived in BC my whole life and love hiking, horseback riding, and boating around our beautiful province. I have a BSc in Applied Animal Biology with a focus in Animal Welfare and have just completed a diploma in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation. Last summer I worked as an Auxiliary Conservation Officer out in Osoyoos and Christina Lake and really enjoyed interacting with the public regarding safe transport of their watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive species.

In my spare time I enjoy experiencing and learning more about our natural environment. A few of my favourite outdoor memo-ries have been: having morning coffee on the West Coast Trail while whales fed offshore; leading a group on a horseback ride in the Dogtooth Range and coming across a mother black bear and three cubs; and driving up to work at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort at dawn with a wolf running alongside my car. I look for-ward to making many more memories this summer and sharing these experiences with the public!

Hailey Hello! My name is Hailey, but if you are a fan of nicknames, feel free to call me Haymo. I was born in Prince George and moved to White Rock, BC when I was five years old. Living so close to the beach allowed me to spend much of my child-hood wading through tidal pools, discovering little critters, and exploring their habitat. Currently, I am finishing my fourth year in a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Victoria. In my degree I have taken courses that focus on local ecology and conservation biology, and I have also developed a keen interest in international politics and policy implementation.

The past two summers I was employed by the Greater Vancouver Zoo where I was a part of the Education and Tourism Department. Spending my summers outside, surrounded by incredible animals, promoting community stewardship and mo-tivating future environmental leaders increased my passion for environmental education.

When time allows, I enjoy playing guitar, singing, and going to as many concerts as possible. I am looking forward to having a fun and educational summer!

Jade Hi, my name is Jade! Growing up in North Vancouver, I have been surrounded by forests and oceans my entire life which shaped my passion for hiking in our beautiful mountains and paddling in our pristine waters. I am going into my third year of studies at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, pursuing a BA in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management. I have worked with multiple out-door camps on the mainland in the past couple years, such as Camp Potlatch and Mt. Seymour Eco Camps. These experiences have helped me learn how to deliver the most meaningful and inspiring presentations for audiences of all ages to consume and appreciate.

Last summer, my boyfriend and I went on a week-long kayak ex-pedition and circumnavigated around many of the Gulf Islands; we got to experience the stunning and immense biodiversity of our coast firsthand, which I am excited to share with everyone this summer as a Coastal Naturalist. In my spare time, I enjoy bagging mountain summits, camping under the stars, re-watch-ing The Office over and over, and drinking (mango) bubble tea! I have a deep interest in outdoor education and experiential learn-ing, and hope to bring this as an asset to the Coastal Naturalist Program team.

Jeanine Hello! My name is Jeanine and I grew up in North Vancouver. I am finishing my fifth and final year at the University of Victoria, completing my Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Marine Biology. I found my love for the ocean when I was little and discovered by passion for inverte-brates in Grade 11 biology. Since then, I have been on my journey to become a marine biologist. Along the way, I have attended Bamfield Marine Science Centre as a Fall Program student, where I completed my first independent, directed studies research proj-ect. I also worked for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as an Aquaculture Biologist in Campbell River, where I got to explore around Vancouver Island while conducting audits on aquaculture facilities.

When I’m not learning about marine biology, you will most often find me hanging out with friends or at the climbing wall (or both). I love being active and enjoying the west coast sunshine every opportunity I get. In the summer, I like to train for triathlons and go hiking around the local mountains. I also love talking to people, and am always enthusiastic to share my passion for life and biology!

Lauren

Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m excited to be a part of this season’s Coastal Naturalist Program. Originally from Vancouver, I grew up with a love of the water from living on the lake in Osoyoos and visiting the coast of BC. Some of my favourite childhood memories are walking along the shore and finding crabs and sea stars or seeing whales from one of the BC Ferries travelling to Victoria. Since graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Professional Communication, I have worked at the Osoyoos Desert Centre and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. I love educating visitors about the wildlife found in each unique environment and seeing their eyes light up when they learn something new (did you know a leather sea star smells like garlic?). My passion for the marine environment only grew after I received my scuba diving certification and I have been fortunate to snorkel and dive in over 10 countries, including Belize, Mexico, South Africa, and Tanzania. I am still learning about the myster-ies of the ocean and am looking forward to sharing newfound knowledge and stories with visitors to the ferries!

Rachael My name is Rachael! Ever since I was a very young child growing up on beauti-ful Bowen Island I have been immensely fascinated by the ocean and all that dwell beneath her waves. Some of my earliest memories are of running around on the upper decks of the Queen of Capilano, gazing out in wonder at the screeching seagulls or a pod of porpoises. Between my first and second years of post-secondary education I was working as a research assistant for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the small northern town of Kitimat. This job immersed me in the complex web of natural and cultural elements that make up the BC coast while also connecting me with my own family heritage in the area. I am now a student of biology at the University of Victoria with a concentration in the Marine Sciences.

When I am not buried in textbooks and notes I enjoy spending time at the beach, rock climbing, and singing and dancing to my favourite local Celtic Folk band. I am very excited about the upcoming summer term with BC Ferries and Parks Canada and can’t wait to share my passion and excitement for the natural world with ferry travellers!

Rachel Hi! My name is Rachel and this is my second summer as a Coastal Naturalist! I had a blast last season both learning about and sharing the wonders of coast and I am so pleased to be back for an-other amazing summer! I have lived on the BC coast my entire life and was born and raised in beautiful Victoria. I just graduated from the University of Victoria with a BA in Environmental Studies and Geography and I am very excited to take all I have learned and put it into practice. Lucky for me, this position is a great start! During this season, I am most looking forward to expanding my knowledge about the beauti-ful west coast, and improving my skills as an interpreter. I also look forward to meeting all of you and hearing your stories as we travel to our destinations!

Severin Hello! My name is Severin, and I have lived in North Vancouver, BC my entire life, and am a recent graduate with a BA in Geography. My primary interests throughout my degree were environmen-tal sustainability on the West Coast, and sustainable agriculture. I have worked for the past six years in the organic food sector and am very excited to start working in environmental education during the Summer of 2018.

In my free time I love to hike, go to the gym, play cello, travel and eat delicious local food. My favourite seasons are Fall and Winter as I love the cooler weather, watching the leaves change colour and the snow begin to fall! However, it is hard to beat the beauty of Spring and Summer in British Columbia! This summer I am so excited to share my love and passion for the education and sustainability of the West Coast.

Joe Hi! My name is Joe. I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and living things. It began with childhood sum-mers at the family cottage, exploring the lake bottom using my grandfather’s old snorkeling gear and catching small fish with a butterfly net. Since then, it has evolved gradu-ally into a lifelong passion. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Health Studies at York University in Toronto, I moved to Prince Rupert, BC, where I studied Applied Coastal Ecology at Northwest Community College, worked as a volunteer hatchery technician for Oldfield Creek Salmon Hatchery, and fell in love with BC’s rugged North Coast region.

Most recently, I’ve been bringing the thrilling history of the Fraser River gold rush to life as a costumed Heritage Presenter at Fort Langley National Historic Site. This beautifully restored Hudson’s Bay Company trading post is where the colony of British Columbia was proclaimed on November 19, 1858.

Janna My name is Janna and I am studying Natural Resource Sciences at Thompson Rivers University. In my free time I enjoy soccer, volleyball, hiking, camping, and good books. This summer, as a returning Coastal Naturalist I am looking forward to meeting people from different places and being able to share my passion and knowledge about the unique coastal ecosystems found in BC.

Find us on board and in terminals this summer!