Wildlife of British Columbia: Whales, Grizzlies and Ancient Forests

John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.

Jackie is a biology teacher, cold-water diver, underwater photographer and whale researcher living on Vancouver Island. She is the co-founder of the Marine Education and Research Society and winner of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Murray A. Newman Award for Excellence in Aquatic Conservation. Jackie was recently featured on Animal Planet’s “Wild Obsession” and in the BBC production “New Threat to Canada’s Pacific Humpback Whales?” She is passionate about telling “the story of mystery, fragility and wonder of the life hidden in the cold, dark Northeast Pacific Ocean.”

Lynne Brookes has taught courses in biology, ecology, and environmental studies as well as teachers’ workshops in the U.S., Latin America, and Canada. A former president of an Audubon Society chapter, she served as president of the Arrowsmith Naturalists from 2014-17. “Retired” on mid-Vancouver Island, Lynne is a volunteer teacher focusing on native plants, ecology, and wildlife-friendly gardening for the Vancouver Island University ElderCollege program. She also conducts programs and workshops at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington, British Columbia.

Greg Holmes, international wanderer and grizzly bear greeter, has navigated a number of destination marketing roles for the better part of 25 years. Roles as varied as leading visitors in Moscow to bringing the 2010 Olympic torch to hundreds of communities across Canada have kept Greg busy over the years. In his spare time Greg is completing renovations on the 1949 Burnaby Heights bungalow home he shares with his wife and their two dogs. He enjoys sailing, sea kayaking, tennis, biking, and hiking.

Sydney McCabe is a marine biologist whose studies have focused on marine ecology and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Since joining Eagle Wing in 2014, Sydney has had the opportunity to explore many avenues of marine conservation and environmental stewardship. In the summer, she is a marine naturalist, educating the public on the rich biodiversity of the Salish Sea. In the fall and winter, she leads a school outreach program, inspiring local youth on the importance of the Salish Sea.