We asked this year’s directors ‘What turns your crank?’ Here’s what they had to say…
Niall Bell
I am a passionate environmentalist and wildlife photographer from Yorkshire, England. At nine years old, I was inspired by a book called Heaven & Earth: Unseen by the Naked Eye, which displays photographs of objects from a single gold atom to the famous Hubble Deep Field Photograph. This book introduced me to a universe of complexity, beauty, and mystery. Since then I have been dedicated to sharing the incredible natural world we live in with those around me through photography and storytelling. At 22, I began to pay more attention to the challenges our natural world faced and decided to pursue an MSc in Environmental Management. I pivoted my work towards conservation with the hope of using my passion to make a real difference. My other interests range from astronomy to philosophy, and birding to mathematics. Over the past year I’ve volunteered across almost all active Nature Squamish Projects with a specific focus on The Wildlife Connectivity project.
Claudia Cridge
I’m originally from South Yorkshire, England and relocated to Squamish in January 2025. Fueled by my curiosity for learning about what makes animals tick, I completed my degree in Animal Behaviour in 2018, and Master of Research in Ecology and Environment in 2020. One of my main pursuits in life is conservation research, and so I love to contribute to Nature Squamish’s and other conservation projects in the Sea to Sky. Aside from this, you’ll either find me outside photographing or nerding out about wildlife, or when inside, drawing, knitting, crocheting or reading. Let’s nerd out together!
Carl Halvorson
Carl is a born and raised Squamish resident, passionate about peanut butter, dark beer, small bugs and kingfishers. He is devoted to the pursuit of public participation and has sat on many District of Squamish committees. Carl can usually be found off his bike on the side of a road picking up litter and has proudly never owned a hair brush. Since he is rarely at his computer, the best way to get in touch with him is by text, or by participating in SES activities!
Gwen L’Hirondelle
I retired to Squamish from Vancouver in 2007. A friend signed me up for the SES newsletter in 2014 and I got involved in response to a plea for someone to become Treasurer. My interest in nature til then had been through photography and I have learned more about both nature and photography through contributing to Biodiversity Squamish. My main photo interests are pollinators and bryophytes, and I find plenty of both around Squamish. If you see me with a big camera on a tripod I’ll be happy to share what I see in my viewfinder.
Murray Journeay
I grew up in the deserts of Arizona and have long been fascinated by the endless variety of physical landscapes and the ways we make sense of the world around us. As a geologist, I have spent the last thirty years exploring how information about earthquakes, landslides, floods, and other earth system processes can be used to help inform sustainable land use and disaster resilience planning at the community level. As a volunteer with SES, I am using my background in landscape modelling to explore how patterns of human settlement have impacted wildland habitat along the Sea-to-Sky corridor — and how this information might be used to inform the development of a biodiversity conservation strategy for the region. Always up for a good adventure, I enjoy exploring our local mountains and playing music with friends and family.
Rachel Shephard
I have lived in Squamish since 1990 and I love exploring and learning about the natural spaces that surround us. Being involved with SES is a way to fulfill that passion and share it with others. Along with looking for toads, mushrooms, flowers and whatever else is in season, I also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and birding. According to my friends I spend way too much time doing yard projects and cruising dog adoption websites. I wear a couple of hats within SES, including membership secretary and coordinator for our Western Toad Monitoring Project. I hope that our programs and projects will help inspire people to enjoy, care about, and protect our natural ecosystems.
Melanie Tardif
I’m a dedicated ally and advocate for nature, wildlife, and biodiversity, with over 20 years of experience in conservation, ecological education, nonprofit leadership, and governance. I’ve lived in the Sea to Sky region since 2008 and feel deeply connected to the lands, water and communities.
My background includes serving as President of AWARE Whistler, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Whistler Naturalists, and volunteering with the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative. I’ve also worked in ecotourism and as a Park Ranger, led community outreach events, and supported local conservation initiatives.
I’m especially passionate about connecting people with nature and believe in the power of collaborative leadership. I’m excited to contribute my skills and experience to support Nature Squamish and help protect the natural spaces that inspire and sustain us all.