Alix Olson

Maxine's Bio

Maxine and Tangle McClaron have worked with a variety of Parks Organizations throughout Western Canada on a municipal, provincial and federal level. They also both have a background in theatre, which informs their communication styles. Through their work with the Alberta Parks Interpretation, Maxine and Tangle love finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences and spark interest in natural history. 

There is a one main difference between them: Max is very good at organizing things. Tangle is very good at making messes. 

Alberta Parks - Kananaskis Country

Jason's Bio

Jason Krips has been the President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) since April 2020. In his role, Jason works with the Alberta forest industry and policy makers to grow this vitally important renewable and sustainable sector, which currently creates jobs for over 30,000 Albertans.

Prior to joining AFPA, Jason spent nearly 20 years with the Government of Alberta in numerous roles, with his last 6.5 years as Deputy Minister of two different ministries – Economic Development, Trade and Tourism and Agriculture and Forestry. A lawyer by training, Jason has a strong and diverse background in the areas of industry policy, issues management, team building and stakeholder engagement.

Alberta Forest Products Association

Michelle's Bio

Michelle Harris is an environmental educator with over 12 years of experience in her field, and truly loves helping people to connect with outdoors and become inspired to want to protect it. As an Assistant Manager with WILD Outside, Michelle helps this high-school age conservation leadership program run smoothly not only in Alberta, but from Winnipeg to Vancouver as well. When Michelle is not working with this fantastic program, you can find her out kayaking, camping, downhill skiing, and doing citizen science with iNaturalist.

Canadian Wildlife Federation: WILD Outside

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Robert Froese grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia surrounded by the forests of Pacific Spirit Park. He has always been drawn to forests and inspired by their relationship with human well-being.

Robert’s core values include the importance of knowledge in informing decisions people make about their place in the natural world and is committed to the role that universities have in promoting wide general good. This commitment has been shaped by his academic and professional experiences in British Columbia, Idaho, Michigan, and Alberta, and is the foundation of Robert’s research and teaching in forest biometrics, modelling, and growth & yield.

Alberta School of Forest Science & Management