Living abroad, Edward Smith saw how attitudes towards the development of limited usable land could lead to environmental destruction. It’s what inspired him to return to Canada after living in South Korea, working as a business and tourism lecturer for almost 16 years, and start his studies at Trent University.

“Due to the distinct history of South Korea I found there was no wildlife like we have in Canada,” says Mr. Smith. “So, when you go outside you’re not going to hear birds. Or, in a forest area, you won’t see native creatures coming out of the bush. I knew I didn’t want Canada to go that way.”

Today, Mr. Smith, who has a previous undergraduate degree in business, is in his third year at Trent as a joint Environmental Science and Economics major. And an internship in 2019 with Kawartha Land Trust has given him first-hand experience of how to survey land to gain important ecological information. The placement has not only helped him learn skills essential to stewardship, it’s also given him new-found confidence.

“The placement taught me about working in the field and in the office setting, about having a deliverable, meeting deadlines, writing reports, all of the stuff that would happen outside the context of a university. It was invaluable.”

As a mature student Mr. Smith felt it was important to be “pragmatic and realistic” about picking an internship that fit his goals. He appreciates that it has provided a networking opportunity. Ongoing communication with his KLT supervisor has led to new opportunities not only for himself, but also for other students involved in SER-TU, the Society of Ecological Restoration, Trent University Chapter.