The time has come to say farewell to one of our Watershed Stewardship Assistants, Conlan. We've asked him to reflect on his past 14 months with OWC.

What did you see/hear out in the watershed over the past year?

That a lot of private landowners are continually searching for ways to keep being stewards for the land. Whether it is ranchers on First Nations land, small family farmers, or conservation groups out near the backcountry, there is movement of watershed residents giving back to the land. The health of the watershed is related to the health of business, residents, and wildlife. People are recognizing that they have to do their part so that the coming generations will be able to fully enjoy the watershed the same way that they have.

What kind of impact do you think you had?

I think that we had a lot of impact this past year and some. Through our lengthy efforts in restoration, community events, education programs, water monitoring, and public engagement, we have impacted a lot of people across a wide area. We have been hearing that apparently, two little employees at an environmental non-profit organization called OWC have been making waves rippling to organizations and businesses across the watershed. With how many people we have connected with, the meaningful interactions we have had, and the natural areas we have worked in, I would agree that we have indeed been making waves.

Which of your job-related activities was your favourite?

Personally, my favorite days were spent somewhere around water. Whether we were monitoring water through CABIN sampling, or planting willows along a river bank, it was always a great day. The water would cool us off on a hot day (intentional or not), attract spectacular views of wildlife, and make for some pretty amazing pictures we would share on social media. If we were working near water, had coffee and snacks from a local coffee shop, and got to see a dog, then it was a pretty awesome day in my books.

Did you face any particular challenges?

With working over a year as a “boots on the ground” type of employee you can bet there were some challenges along the way, but nothing bad enough to continue being a challenge. Some examples of these small challenges could be learning to write blogs, coordinating events, and learning protocol for water quality monitoring. With the help of a particular selfless coworker, transparent communication with our organization, and a stress relief meal, nothing was too big or treacherous for us to handle. Get yourself a good team to work with and with every challenge; you will walk out triumphant.

What was the highlight / most memorable moment of your time with OWC?

It is so difficult to choose one most memorable moment as there sure were a TON. But if I must, I suppose I would have to pick a day out in the Crowsnest Pass. I could pick the day we built quad bridges for streams in the backcountry, or I could pick the weed pull where we tried to find the biggest invasive species root! But I think I have to pick our restoration day out on Girardi Creek with Trout Unlimited. We decommissioned an old ATV trail that went right through the creek of westslope cutthroat trout by throwing surrounding deadfall to create small waterfalls and overwintering pools. We came back later the next year and were delighted to see how the river had changed from our hard work! We even found a baby “cuttie” (cutthroat) swimming around!

What’s next? What was something new you learned or a skill you developed that will help you in your career?

The next chapter of my life will be spent in Calgary around the Bow and Ghost watersheds. Moving away from the Oldman watershed and all of the people that call this place home is something that feels bittersweet. I am excited for a new chapter of growth, connections, and adventures, but I sure am going to miss all that makes this watershed so special: the people, landscapes, culture, and lifestyle. As far as skills that I have developed, my professional writing and communication skills have improved quite a lot, which I am proud of, but ultimately one of the most important skills I have learned from my time with OWC has been project management. All of these skills from my time with OWC have laid a foundation for success in a career for wherever the unforgettable Southern Alberta wind will take me.

Favourite photo you took?

I took this photo during our camping trip of CABIN training at Mill Creek Campground. There was an old ship at the campground so you know we had to snap a quick photo to capture our fun trip! We later took a night time swim in the creek (FREEZING COLD!).

Write your own question and response.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before the start of your time with OWC, what would it be?

I would warn myself that I am about to spend a lot of money on coffee and treats. I did finally understand a little farther down the road that there is no avoiding the craving for a latte and baked goods after or before a hard day's work.

Final message to folks in the watershed?

I want to say thank you to my coworker Shannon Hart for making every single day fun, and educational. Thank you to everyone who is a good steward of the watershed and who I have met in the field. It was special to connect with you, and I hope I get to continue working with you in some capacity. Thank you to the staff at the Oldman Watershed Council for making me feel at home from day 1 and always being a support net both in professional and personal matters. I will never forget the places I’ve seen, the friends I have made, and every drop of sweat I put into giving back to the watershed. The Oldman watershed will forever be my home.