WELCOME!
We are pleased to welcome the 2023 team! Education and Program Coordinator Caitlyn Lawrence. The acting RDRN Liaison is RDRN board member Cathy Steele and Myrna Pearman oversees the Nature Central and Habitat Steward programs.
We are pleased to welcome the 2023 team! Education and Program Coordinator Caitlyn Lawrence. The acting RDRN Liaison is RDRN board member Cathy Steele and Myrna Pearman oversees the Nature Central and Habitat Steward programs.
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Cathy Steele: RDRN Liaison
I grew up in a military household and we moved around every three to four years, living in Ontario, NWT, Germany and Alberta. My family instilled a love of travel, exploring and an appreciation of nature and culture. My husband and I incorporated lots of outdoor appreciation as we were raising our three children, including hiking, biking, camping, skiing/snowboarding and water activities. We are happiest when our time is spent in nature. I enjoy nature breaks and photography with a focus on birds, wildlife and wildflowers. Nature lifts my spirit and feeds the soul! |
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Myrna Pearman
I was born and raised in Rimbey, Alberta and joined the Red Deer River Naturalists while attending Red Deer College (Polytechnic). Over the years I have held several positions, including President, Vice-President, Speaker Committee Chair and Newsletter Editor. I was also involved in the original Habitat Steward program. After a 33-year career with Ellis Bird Farm, and following a visit to a beautiful protected area near Stettler, I was inspired to launch Nature Central and to relaunch the Habitat Steward Program. I am an enthusiastic nature photographer, writer, kayaker and backroads rambler who enjoys sharing my love of nature through social media and on my website (www.myrnapearman.com). |
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Caitlyn Lawrence, BIT: Education and Program Coordinator
I grew up and currently live in Carstairs, which is a small town south of Red Deer. I'm Métis and I am a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. I graduated from the University of Lethbridge in April 2022 where I obtained a BSc in Environmental Science. I also hold two technical diplomas in Environmental Stewardship and Rural Planning and Reclamation and Remediation from Olds College (2016-2018). During my undergraduate studies, I gained 3 years of experience in social and environmental monitoring, environmental research, reclamation and closure planning, as well as Indigenous stakeholder relations. Currently I work full-time as an Environmental Scientist for a consulting company where I primarily work with Indigenous communities, and part-time for RDRN. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering, hiking, gardening, and basically doing anything outside. |
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Abbey Van Heuvel: Naturalist-In-Residence
Greetings! Just like Myrna, I was also born and raised outside of Rimbey, Alberta. As a fourth-year biology student here at RDP, I have come to understand the importance of recognizing and preserving local biodiversity. For this reason, I hope to make a meaningful contribution this summer as a Naturalist-In-Residence to this area. Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time outdoors and immersing myself in the natural world -whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking, backcountry camping, or simply observing local species of flora and fauna. My long-term goals include graduating from RDP with my BSc and pursuing a career in Conservation Law Enforcement. |
