Beverly Gingras

Beverly Gingras is Conservation Programs Specialist at Wetlands and Industry, Ducks Unlimited Canada. Bev was brought on to lead the development and manage the sustainable land use industrial best management practices program in relation to wetlands and waterfowl in the boreal forest. She is an ecologist by training, but in addition to her technical strengths she also excels as a manager and communicator. Her vision and leadership has allowed her to build the Best Management Practices (BMP) Program from the starting point of a single staff member (herself) with an idea, to a small but mighty team of three full time staff (and rotating student interns) with a disproportionately large reach and sphere of influence, both within the organization and externally.

As the BMP team lead Bev communicates the importance and functions of wetlands to industry, government, academic and other audiences representing scientific, policy, planning, and operational perspectives. As well, the program collaborates with these groups to identify solutions to industry’s conservation challenges. For example, providing advice on how to maintain natural wetland hydrology when designing and building a road through a boreal wetland. When carrying out this work, Bev sets high expectations for herself, her staff and colleagues, and external collaborators.

Bev is a strong proponent of providing students with opportunities to gain experience in their field. In addition to hiring interns in the company, Bev supports the University of Alberta’s Science Internship Program by participating in promotional videos and information sessions.

Beverly Gingras was nominated for the Minerva Mentoring Award.