Former Mayne Island Conservancy’s Summer Intern receives prestigious recognition

On October 6th 2021, Stephanie Wilford (Bachelor of Science Honours, Forest Ecology and Management, 2020) current PhD student (and former member of the Mayne Island Conservancy’s Summer Intern Program) received the Schlich Memorial Prize from the Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada (CIF). 

CFC-IFI Executive Director Mark Pearson stated that “with outstanding achievements and dedication to advanced forestry”, Stephanie and her co-recipient are worthy recipients of the award. Named after Sir William Schlich, the award is presented annually to an outstanding student chosen by host institutions for the CIF annual conference. 

Wilford has extensive experience working in forest entomology, endangered ecosystem restoration and environmental community outreach. She has participated in research in orchid mycorrhizae and the effects of Western Larch litter on understory vegetation. She is pursuing her doctoral degree under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Wood, assessing the recovery of culturally significant plants and their associated fungal communities from the Shovel Lake Wildfire. 

In her own words, Stephanie says, “Thank you for the recognition, University of Northern British Columbia and Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada and the CIF – IFC Cariboo Section. I am still working on my Ph.D. candidacy but I look forward to taking my exams next year—and another beautiful summer of field work in the Nadleh Whut’en and Stellat’en territories.”

Stephanie hopes to continue in a career as a forest professional and in science communication. Congratulations Stephanie from all your friends at the Mayne Island Conservancy. 


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