Hello, I'm Jovana Shrestha, a Masters of Forestry student at the University of Toronto. I have always had a fascination with wildlife and a passion for science communication.

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    While in quarantine, I did a lot of research regarding my dream career and was quite discouraged when I realized how difficult it can be to gain experience within the field of conservation. However, after days of research, contacting organizations, and applying for programs, I have been able to become a part of some incredible initiatives.

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    The idea behind the Urban Wildlife Conservation Network had come during the planning of my project in partnership with WWF and Chantiers Jeunesse as a part of their Eco-Leadership Journey. My project aimed to educate the public on urban biodiversity through a guided hike.

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    But why stop there? Becoming a part of some organizations, such as the Wild Outside with the Canadian Wildlife Federation taught me that we are always connected to nature, despite feeling a disconnect at times. As biodiversity in urban cities continues decline, we need as many people as we can get into the conservation field, and prevent the loss of our vital flora and fauna.

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   The goal of this network is to get more people out and connecting with nature. To show people that there are so many opportunities to get involved, the hardest part is finding them. That's why I'm here!