OTTERBURNE, MB – Whether people recognize it or not, the world is much more interconnected than it may appear on the surface. Take water, for instance, which is vital for survival on Earth. When plant and animal life have access to enough clean water, ecosystems can thrive. However, when the same water becomes polluted, the natural world and all that’s in it is threatened. Not to mention that not enough water can lead to events like droughts and forest fires, and to flooding when there’s too much. It’s a delicate balance and everyone has a part to play in ensuring that nature is stewarded well.
One way that Providence is involved making a positive difference in this area and beyond is through its Environmental Science program. This Bachelor of Science degree is headed up by Dr. Bruce Friesen-Pankratz, who has done extensive research on water quality and the effect of chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides on aquatic systems and wetlands. Providence itself is uniquely positioned to offer courses in this area because of our location alongside the Rat River, and attracts students like Alex Wolf – a recent graduate who now is now employed as a watershed technician.
Though Alex graduated from Providence with a degree in Biology, she was inspired to pursue a profession related to the environment from taking courses with Dr. Friesen-Pankratz, as well as through a biblical studies class.
“I had a class at Prov where we talked about current issues and what the Bible – the Old Testament – can say about them. We talked about land and how people in the Bible treated land as part of their community; it had power for them. This influenced the way that I saw gardening, hiking and everything in the natural world as something that I’m alongside rather than fighting against or ruling over. The thing that turned me towards the environment and looking for a job in that field was that Old Testament course – realizing the connection between humans and earth and how we all fit together; how everything should be working together as a community.”
Alex now works locally for Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District, where she is involved in tasks like working alongside those in agriculture to implement more environmentally friendly practices.
“I help farmers put up fencing around waterways and dugouts and install watering systems, so it keeps the cows out of the water. This keeps the water cleaner which helps herds grow faster, and it’s better for the farmers. The Watershed District manages all the water running off into the creeks – limiting fertilizer runoff from fields and manure in the rivers.”
Having an impact on sustainability and conservation is not just a vision but an ongoing reality at Providence – one that you can also be purposefully a part of by getting a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science or General Biology, like Alex.
Hear more stories about how Providence is preparing students for meaningful careers at Prov.ca/AimHigher.
