Algonquin College Partners with Canadian Wildlife Federation

Posted on Friday, November 29th, 2013

PEMBROKE – November 29, 2013 – Algonquin College is teaming up with one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit organizations, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, to enrich the learning experience of its students. The College and CWF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that encourages both organizations to partner whenever possible to promote outdoor education to college students through the sharing of curriculum, resources and subject matter experts.

Algonquin College President, Dr. Kent MacDonald, says there is a lot of synergy between the College’s Outdoor training programs and the CWF’s education and awareness programs. “We are always looking for partnerships that benefit our students and, given the expertise and excellent reputation of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, we are pleased to enter into this joint venture that we anticipate will be very beneficial to both our students and our faculty,” says MacDonald. “Both of our organizations bring significant expertise to this agreement and we anticipate the signing of this MoU is the first step toward a long and meaningful relationship that will further enrich student learning at Algonquin College”, he concluded.

The partnership will allow the CWF and College to cross-promote their programs, engage in applied research activities, provide more certifications to students concerning conservation and wildlife, and allow for more access to some of the world’s leading experts who study issues that affect wildlife all around the world.

Algonquin College is the first publicly-funded Ontario College to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. “CWF is thrilled to be partnering with Algonquin College. One of CWF’s key focuses is engaging young adults in an appreciation of our natural world. Algonquin’s excellent work in this area, combined with CWF’s education programs, will help to foster this new generation of environmental stewards and ensure the lasting legacy of Canada’s wildlife and wild spaces,” says Wade Luzny, CWF CEO and Executive Vice-President.

The partnership is particularly important to Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus which specializes in outdoor programs such as Forestry Technician, Outdoor Adventure Naturalist, Outdoor Adventure, and Environmental Technician. Campus Dean, Karen Davies says collaborating with the CWF will open up a world of learning opportunities for both our students and our faculty. “We have carved a niche within the college system with our outdoor programs and this affiliation with the CWF strengthens our reputation for being leaders in this area. This collaboration can only benefit our students and faculty and continue to position our campus as a destination for outdoor training,” adds Davies.

The MoU signing fittingly took place at the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre, a centre that is quickly becoming a destination for learning for students of all ages. Algonquin College is one of many educational institutes that utilize the Centre which includes a botanical walking trail, old growth forest and the newly-constructed Pine Pavilion structure which provided the perfect backdrop for the signing ceremony.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering an awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature.
For more information visit: CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca

About Shaw Woods Education Centre
Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre was established in 2010 on land donated by the Shaw family. The tract of land is primarily based on property first settled in 1847 and utilized by the Shaw family’s forestry and milling operation. A board of directors consists of representatives from Algonquin College, all four county boards of education, the Hila Science Camp, Shaw Lumber, Renfrew County Stewardship, Connaught Nursery, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and private citizens. The mission of the Outdoor Education Centre is to foster an ethic of responsible environmental stewardship and a balanced approach to land use. New facilities, educational programming, and the recently constructed Pine Pavilion have created and excellent facility for students at all levels.
For more information about the Shaw Woods Education Centre visit: shawwoods.ca

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Photo: Front row from left: Algonquin College President Kent MacDonald; Luba Mycio-Mommers, Director of Education, CWF; back row from left: Pembroke Campus Dean Karen Davies; Ken Beattie, Manager of Habitat Programs, CWF.

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