MSc (U of Calgary), Geography
Gary has worked throughout his career to combine two disciplines of study: Geography and education.
He holds a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Calgary where he completed a field-based thesis on the impacts of large avalanches and forestry practices on stream morphology in the Northern Selkirk Mountains.
He has worked on fluvial geomorphology and Quaternary geology projects in the Yukon and Alaska, spending months at a time on remote stretches of major rivers, as well as helped with glaciology projects in the Selkirk Mountains. Gary also has a Bachelor of Education from UBC and is a BC Certified Teacher. He taught Curriculum and Pedagogy Studies: Social Studies for UBC's West Kootenay Teacher Education Program in Nelson, and has taught secondary Geography and Outdoor Education, among other subjects.
Gary's education practice is focused on facilitating the success of all students through learning that is grounded in sound pedagogy. Having been involved with environmental non-profit organizations for over twenty years, Gary continues to volunteer with local initiatives including the Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative (SIFCo) focusing on sustainable forest management, wildfire interface protection, and watershed stewardship. He is also involved with various local recreation initiatives to promote land management planning that includes wildlife protection.
As a long-time resident of the Slocan Lake area, Gary feels incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to explore the unique mountain landscapes in the Kootenay region, whether it is by foot, pedal, paddle or ski. He loves to visit these places and learn together with students through the lens of geography about the forces, from local to global, facing and shaping our diverse ecosystems and communities.