WILD Educator Award

→ WILD Education facilitator, Canadian Wildlife Federation

→ Project WET coordinator and facilitator, Canadian Water Resources Association

As a longtime WILD Education facilitator with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Billie Jo Reid is a trusted collaborator. In the past few years alone, she has trained more than 100 educators in CWF’s Project WILD and Below Zero programs, including multiple cohorts of pre-service teachers at Brock University and the University of Calgary. Her professionalism and work ethic are unmatched, and she truly has become a rock, both for CWF and for others in the environmental educator community.

Love of nature is a defining aspect of Billie Jo. The moment you meet her, you can feel her passion, energy and joy. In fact, when it comes to environmental education, you could say that she herself is a true force of nature.

As a seasoned outdoor education professional with more than 25 years of experience in both formal and non-formal education settings, Billie Jo has a rare ability to connect people with nature. Her energy and passion for the environment are boundless, whether she is facilitating professional development training for teachers or leading a group of students on a nature-journaling walk. Her natural charisma comes from doing what she loves, and her interactive and innovative teaching style is infectious.

Billie Jo is a light. She shines bright and does not hesitate to share her light with others. A true ambassador for environmental education in her community and across Canada, she is highly deserving of this award.

Ever since I was little, I had a deep connection to the outdoors and loved spending time outside.

I love sharing my passion with others and helping them to find their own connection to the natural world. This is all the motivation I need to continue educating and protecting the environment.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors exploring with family and friends. The biggest catalyst was in high school when I was asked to be a part of the environmental leadership program run by Bill Mitchell in Madoc, Ontario. This is where I was introduced to Project WILD, Focus on Forest and Fishways. “Mitch” gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try things I had never done before, including canoeing and canoe tripping.

Established in 2015, this award honours an exceptional WILD Education facilitator or instructor who has provided innovative and meaningful experiences for youth that focus on wildlife and the building of a conservation ethic. The CWF WILD Education program includes Project WILD and Below Zero.