Pituophis cantenifer
The great basin gopher snake’s scientific name is Pituophis cantenifer. This snake is a non-venomous member of the Colubridae family and the largest snake species in BC.
A full grown great basin gopher snake averages about 70 – 200cm long. They are light brown or yellowish-brown in color with dark brown or black squares running from head to tail. Their under belly is a creamy color with irregular small dark blotches…
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Jim Pigott, C.M.C.Vancouver, B.C.
Jim Pigott has been on the Board of NWPS for over a decade, and has been President since 2008. Jim has seen the Society grow through several stages of its evolvement and has been present through the process of acquiring Manley Farm and the addition of this valuable environmental gem to the Society’s assets. Jim has helped guide the transition of the Society into its present form. His passion for wildlife and the environment keep his volunteer spirit alive in NWPS’ activities, which continue to surprise and delight him.
Jim is a Certified Management Consultant and an Industrial Engineer, with an extensive background in all aspects of the forest products manufacturing industry. In his professional career, Jim was most recently Vice President, Sales of MAJIQ Inc., one of the world’s leading developers of business management software for the pulp and paper industry, in which he has worked in both operations and in information technology in North America and internationally. He currently works as a consultant.
Jim is married, has 4 children and enjoys hiking, sailing and skiing. He lives in Burnaby, British Columbia.
David CraigVancouver, B.C.
David Craig holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Accountant. David has been involved with Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society since 1989 in various capacities. David has held Board positions in the past and is currently contracted to manage the Manley Farm Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. He is President of Consolidated Management Consultants Ltd., Vice President of BC Advanced Conservation and Efficiency Association and Executive Director of Commercial Energy Consumers Association of BC. David was employed at BC Hydro Power & Authority in various management capacities.
Vancouver, B.C.
Ann Peters has been involved with Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society for over 20 years. She previously worked as the volunteer Executive Director. She currently served on the Board of Directors as the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Ann owns and operates BearCat Consulting Ltd., a management consulting company, providing services to private, public and not-for-profit companies. Ann has a background in Business Administration, Project Management and Change Management.
Kristine KrynitzkiHope, B.C.
Kristine worked with Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society as Executive Assistant and then as Executive Director from 2011 until 2021, after which she was asked to join the Board of Directors. Kristine has extensive non-profit management experience including her 11 years with NWPS, and previously with a West African primate conservation, education and research non-profit called CERCOPAN in Nigeria, and Delta, BC-based Burns Bog Conservation Society. Kristine currently works as the Executive Director for Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding and rock climbing.
Michele KvarnstromVancouver, B.C.
Michele Kvarnstrom joined the Board of NWPS over a decade ago, after helping to launch the Green Ribbon Campaign in 2002 and served as Vice President from 2003-2019. Being in a position to watch the society grow and evolve into the multifaceted environmental force it is today with infinite possibilities as we move forward, and being a part of that process, is both exciting and rewarding. I look forward with great anticipation to all that lays ahead as we push forward with plans for expanded educational opportunities and the development of Manley Farm Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary.
Michele is a sales and marketing professional with an extensive background in both print and digital media. She has worked for the Vancouver Courier Newspaper, A Glacier Media publication, for the last 8 years. Prior to that, Michele spent many years in the hi-tech industry as a Marketing and Events Manager responsible for industry conferences and large scale events across Canada, the United States and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Michele has called North Vancouver home for the past 28 years and has a son who is a talented Artist and recent graduate from Emily Carr University.
Rob WicksonVancouver, B.C.
Robert Wickson is a Partner in Discovery Economic Consulting, a consulting firm that provides expert testimony to the Courts and other economic advice. He earned a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history from the University of Victoria in 1983. In 2007, Mr. Wickson began testifying in the BC Supreme Court as an economic expert.
Mr. Wickson has been an active member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce since 1990, holding the positions of Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committees, President (2000). In 2001 he joined the Board of the BC Chamber of Commerce as the Director for District 2 Member Chambers for South Vancouver Island (2001-2002), and he became an Executive Member (2004). He was the 2006/2007 Chair of the BC Chamber.
Mr. Wickson’s previous positions include Chair of the City of Victoria’s Transportation Advisory Committee, Director of the Victoria Green Challenge Society (publisher of the Environews), Director of Smart Growth BC, Treasurer of the Spectrum Job Search Centre, and President of IslandTransformations.org. He was President of the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society from 2005 through 2012 and is currently President of the Gorge Tillicum Community Association, a Director of the Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society, Director of Capital Bike and Walk, and Vice-President of IslandTransformations.org.
Todd BuchananVancouver, B.C.
Todd has a focus on early stage business structure creation to position for hyper growth, strategic planning and execution, team, process and technology foundation building, business relationships management, market analytics and international deal delivery. For the first 25 years of his career, through his own technology and management consulting firms, he primarily worked with Fortune 500, public and private companies on the creation and implementation of business process management methods and technology. From August, 2010 he has focused on assisting business founders with start-up through proof of concept and hyper growth including companies such as: LYFE Kitchen; Luvo; Freightera Logistics; Blueprint Reality and RentMoola Payment Solutions. He currently serves on the boards and in advisory roles with a number of companies. Todd is a founder and managing partner of Equifaira Advisors, a business advisory and management consulting company.
Susan ChambersHope, B.C.
Susan Chambers, CSE, has lived in Washington State and British Columbia. She owns and operates teleCAT Communications since 2001. She provides fund and business development consulting services for a variety of charities, private and public organizations throughout North America. She has a formal education in Marketing Management, Fund Development and Business Communication. She has been profiled in national media, industry associations and her local Chamber of Commerce.
Susan only works with businesses and charities that she believes in and loves to connect people to her cause. She believes that now more than ever the mission of NWPS – Preservation through Education – is relevant and one that individuals and corporations have a stake in.
After being a long time supporter of the society, Susan joined the NWPS Board of Directors in 2020.
Connel BradwellVictoria, B.C.
Connel Bradwell is NWPS’ lead educator based in Victoria, BC. Connel continues to increase NWPS’ involvement throughout Vancouver Island by delivering wildlife education programs year-round and assisting with projects on Manley Farm Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Connel studied Wildlife Conservation and his background work includes research on southern resident Orca and migratory birds. Connel has worked on multiple science communication projects including directing and hosting wildlife videos on CBC. Connel is a passionate birder and botanist and spends his spare time exploring the natural world around his home on Vancouver Island.
Darren ColelloAlberta
Darren has studied wildlife and animal species behaviours and adaptations for over 35 years. Darren holds multiple degrees and has taught over 100,000 people of all ages about the exciting and biodiverse world of wildlife. He works tirelessly in the fields of wildlife biology and environmental conservation to ensure that natural environments are respected and preserved for future generations.
Darren has recently been recognized by New World Report Awards North America Business for his tremendous work as an educator and conservationist. He has received the prestigious Rocky Mountains Wildlife Educator and Habitat Protection Steward of the Year 2023 award.
Darren is also an accomplished wildlife photographer and has been widely published in Africa Geographic, WWF Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Canada and more. Darren also provides environmental education guided tours to intrepid travelers visiting Africa, the Amazon, the Arctic and other wilderness rich regions across the globe.
Conan LeungVancouver, B.C.
Conan comes from a financial background, having over 20 years experience in banking, bookkeeping and project management. He holds a Bachelors of Commerce degree from University of British Columbia. Conan also has spent half a year in Australia as an exchange student to learn about it’s people, culture and wildlife.
He joined the NWPS team as bookkeeper in 2018 and eventually expanded his responsibilities to help run the Society as the Office Manager. Conan is responsible for managing donor information, tax receipt generation and all administrative and accounting activities of the organization. He ensures all back-office functions are completed effectively and efficiently.
For more information about Lower Mainland programs, call us at (604) 568-9160 or (604) 781-9381, or email us at info@northwestwildlife.com.
For more information about Vancouver Island programs, call us at (778) 967-3379, or email us at educationmanager@northwestwildlife.com.
For more information about Rockies programs, call us at (604) 880-1280, or email us at rockies@northwestwildlife.com.
Mikaila StrilchukVancouver
Mikaila Strilchuk is a dynamic addition to the NWPS team, bringing her passion for ecology and animals to the role of Wildlife Educator. Mikaila earned her degree in Applied Biology with a Major in Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia. Her roots on the North Shore, where camping, hiking, and skiing were part of her childhood, instilled in her a deep connection to the natural world. Mikaila’s background in youth work and childcare complements her role as a Wildlife Educator. Her ability to connect with people, especially the younger audiences, aligns seamlessly with the mission of NWPS.
Mikaila has always been very passionate about protecting wildlife, recognizing that they cannot speak for themselves, and the natural world needs strong advocates. In her role as a Wildlife Educator at NWPS, Mikaila is dedicated to inspiring a sense of wonder and discovery. Through engaging educational experiences, she aims to foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the intricate wonders of the animal kingdom.
Liam ReillyVancouver, B.C.
Liam is a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in FP&A across dynamic business environments. He has a lifelong background in not-for-profits and charitable causes with a specific focus on environmental and educational causes. With a background in investment banking and corporate finance, Liam honed his skills in fast-paced, entrepreneurial settings, emphasizing problem-solving and continuous improvement. He excels in building cohesive teams and scalable processes, aligning strategies for operational efficiency and growth.
Liam’s expertise in financial modeling, ERP systems, and data analytics translates complex financial data into actionable strategies, driving sustainable profitability. His strategic foresight and collaborative leadership make him a trusted advisor and catalyst for success in corporate finance.
