Across forested, wetland, and coastal landscapes of British Columbia, I’ve learned a thing or two about getting out in the wild. And although exhilarating and interesting, it’s not all glamorous.
There is the bushwhacking through thickets under a blazing July sun after bumping up a wickedly unmaintained dirt road with no air-conditioning, the getting drenched in torrential rain overtop or filling up threadbare waders with soupy wetland water, or jumping into a fisherman’s hold and slurry of ice, fish slime and blood to collect DNA samples from dead sockeye salmon. And let’s not forget the constant battle with mosquitoes, ticks, and underground wasps and the bears you meet in the middle of nowhere.
But despite its challenges, tracking snake, toads, and bats, surveying for tadpoles, or observing woodpeckers has its moments and rewards. My field work experience has given me a deep appreciation for the natural world and these experiences come to life on the page, or the screen, when given an opportunity.
Every scratch, sting, and cougar sighting tells a story that someone can relate to or will feel moved by and can elevate your content for the right audience.