Congratulations to Ally Truscott, – 2024 Recipient of the John B. Holdstock Scholarship

We are thrilled to announce Ally Truscott as the recipient of the 2024 John B. Holdstock Scholarship. This award is a testament to Ally’s dedication and academic excellence, particularly in the field of environmental sciences.

As Ally embarks on her academic journey at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), this scholarship will provide support in her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries. We are confident that her studies will be greatly enriched by this opportunity, and we look forward to the contributions she will make to our understanding and stewardship of wildlife and fisheries.

With special thanks to the JB Holdstock Scholarship Committee members:

• • • • • • • • • Judie Steeves, Southern Interior Land Trust
                • Deb Kennedy, The Nature Trust of British Columbia
                • Dan Buffett, The Habitat Conservation Foundation
                • Dave Henshaw, British Columbia Conservation Foundation Board Director
                • Kevin Holdstock

2023 John B. Holdstock Scholarship Successful Recipient

Congratulations to Haiden MacDonald
2023 Recipient of the John B. Holdstock Scholarship

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation is pleased to announce that Haiden MacDonald, an aspiring environmentalist and dedicated conservation advocate, has been awarded the prestigious John B. Holdstock Scholarship for his exceptional achievements and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Haiden currently works for the BC Wildlife Federation, where he uses the skills he gained in UBC’s Natural Resources Conservation Program, in the field, and from his background in angling in coordinating the Fish Habitat Restoration and Education Program. This program aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving freshwater fish and riparian habitats across B.C., while building community capacity to care for these valued areas through restoration and community engagement.

With special thanks to the JB Holdstock Scholarship Committee members:

• Judie Steeves, Southern Interior Land Trust
• Emma Liffen, The Nature Trust of British Columbia
• Dan Buffett, The Habitat Conservation Foundation
• Dave Henshaw, Kelowna Fish & Game Club
• Kevin Holdstock

Julien Gullo – 2022 Recipient of the John B. Holdstock Scholarship

Congratulations to Julien Gullo – 2022 Recipient of the John B. Holdstock Scholarship

Julien is a mature student majoring in Natural Resources Science (BNRS) at Thompsons Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops who has had a fascination with animals for as long as he could remember. He is passionate about the natural sciences and feels privileged to live in a region where the natural environment is abundant and accessible.

“I take my career path seriously and feel obliged to pay back the communities that have supported me, either directly or indirectly, in my journey,” he states.

Julien has volunteered for an array of projects, conducting yearly breeding owl surveys for Birds Canada, and coordinating volunteers for the SIMDeer citizen science project. His pastimes include backcountry skiing, hiking, canoeing and hunting that sparked his endless curiosity and lent themselves to working in field biology and community engagement. Julien is currently conducting research at John Prince Research Forest near Fort St James, BC with funding assistance from the Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) at TRU. He is investigating competitive dynamics between American Red Squirrels and Northern Flying Squirrels. Julien believes his success as an ecologist/ biologist is dependent on his ability to embrace both human and non-human communities to create and maintain balance for more sustainable relationships.

“I want to harness my creativity and passion for wildlife to produce both good scientific work and to help connect communities to their natural surroundings by generating interest in ecological topics while promoting environmental stewardship.”

With special thanks to the JB Holdstock Scholarship Committee members:

• • • • • • • • • Judie Steeves, Southern Interior Land Trust
                • Deb Kennedy, The Nature Trust of British Columbia
                • Dan Buffett, The Habitat Conservation Foundation
                • Dave Henshaw, British Columbia Conservation Foundation Board Director
                • Kevin Holdstock

Gillian Steele, 2021 recipient of the John B. Holdstock Scholarship

SILT is part of the coalition of non-profits involved in awarding the John Holdstock Scholarship annually, and this year’s recipient is Gillian Steele.

Angling and a love for British Columbia’s fish species has always been a passion for Gillian. Since birth, Gillian learned to appreciate and respect the natural resources of British Columbia. “My father introduced me to angling,” she explains, “and I have followed him along riverbanks since I could walk.
“Having now worked in the recreational sport fishing industry for many years, I have witnessed first-hand the changes, [the] mismanagement of fish and wildlife, and the toll our ever-expanding urban footprint is having on the environment. Angling and my experiences in the outdoors have shaped who I am as a person thus I will do everything in my power to solidify their continued existence in the future.”

Gillian is currently a Director of the Steelhead Society of British Columbia (SSBC), whose mandate is conserving wild steelhead and wild rivers in BC. The SSBC raises money to assist in funding projects directly related to wild steelhead management as well as to raise awareness of the continuing issues surrounding wild steelhead throughout the province. Says Gillian about the work, “I have been on the board of directors since 2014 and joined as a means to give back to a particular fishery that means so much to [me].” She goes on to explain, “one of the SSBC’s main focuses is the Thompson River and their remarkably unique population of summer run steelhead.

“It is situations and ongoing fights for the protection of species just like these that keep me involved but longing to do more. As an angler engulfed in the recreational angling industry, I feel it to be my own responsibility to make sure these opportunities are around for my children’s children.” With this, it seems elementary that Gillian would seek formal education in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation discipline. “The intense and comprehensive program has been challenging but has opened my eyes to the complexity of natural resource management. My main goal after the completion of my education and into the professional world is to work toward preserving wild steelhead in British Columbia. Steelhead are my passion, have a special place in my heart, and are the fundamental driving force in my future aspirations.”

Well, thank you for your dedication to make British Columbia’s natural environment a rich and thriving one for generations to come, Gillian. Congratulations and good luck in your studies!