The Sum of Our Experience – Mt Benson Hike

TLC was happy to accompany a class of VIU students up Mount Benson in July. Over the course of the day, the group tackled steep inclines, identified interesting plants, posed in front of the magnificent moss wall, and learned the basics of ecological monitoring. We were also grateful to have a representative, Ava, from NALT working with us for the day. Although the monitoring aspect of the hike was significant, TLC staff felt that it was the opportunity to engage with the student community that was most valuable.

PC Rae Costain. VIU Students and TLC.

A note from Rae, Summer Intern for TLC.

“Personally, I was struck immediately by how diverse the group was in terms of academic background. Working on environmental issues, it’s really easy to get caught up in a particular vein of thought especially when mostly exposed to experts in the scientific/biology fields. This hike was a great reminder that everyone, no matter what they study or how much they know, have something unique and important to offer the world of conservation. The way we view nature and the environment is tied up in our personal backgrounds and its important to develop respect and appreciation for the diversity of thought and experience that may be applied to conservation work.

As a student of anthropology, I was encouraged by this interaction with other students who are studying outside of the hard sciences. The group included students studying Tourism & Recreation Management, Bachelor Arts, Bachelor Education, Bachelor Business Admin, Hospitality Management. The feeling of validity of my own experiences and my own passion for conservation work was bolstered by this engagement. As an environmental organization, we need to remember and value that it is the differences between us that make us strong. We will be able to combat environmental degradation and protect the natural world because everyone brings something different to the table. There is no one right way, and there is no ‘magic bullet’ solution to climate change, overdevelopment, or land degradation, but together we can navigate this ever changing world of conservation. I am very grateful to interact with this broad and diverse community because my own learning and way of thinking is constantly challenged, encouraged, and guided by those around me. The conservation community needs the fresh voices of young people, regardless of what faculty or school of thought they belong to. Environmental issues do not belong to scientists alone.”

We’d love to see you in the field next season! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, join our Facebook hiking group, and keep an eye on our event calendar for dates and descriptions of all our summer hikes. Carpooling is always available.