As biologists, naturalists, and local communities realized the severe decline in the marmot population, the need for a rescue mission became apparent. As part that, the Marmot Recovery Foundation was founded in 1999 to lead on-the-ground work. Right from beginning, we recognized that we could not do this alone.

We are just one among a number of partners and stakeholders participating in the marmot’s recovery. Other partners include the Province of B.C., landowner Mosaic Forest Management, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and the Recovery Team. The Toronto Zoo and Calgary Zoo play critical roles, hosting the captive breeding program and providing expertise in caring for wildlife in captivity.

Within this partnership, the Foundation supports the implementation of the recovery objectives as established by the Recovery Team and the Recovery Plan through the support of the field team, Mount Washington Tony Barrett Marmot Recovery Centre, research, public awareness, and fundraising programs. In effect, the Foundation delivers the on-the-ground work component as well as funding to support the marmot’s recovery.

Our Staff

Administration

• Adam Taylor, Executive Director
  Adam has over 20 years of experience working in conservation, including leading land acquisition projects, species-at-risk programs, education, and community stewardship programs. He joined the Foundation as Executive Director in late 2015.
• (Not Pictured) Kim Metz, Donor Relations & Office Coordinator
  Many of you have spoken, emailed or written with Kim over the years. She has been a critical behind-the-scenes force keeping the Foundation running smoothly for over 15 years.

Conservation Breeding and Animal Care

• Dr. Malcolm McAdie, DVM, MSc., Conservation Breeding Coordinator & Veterinarian
  Malcolm started working with Vancouver Island marmots in the mid-1990s, before the recovery program even began. His skill as a wildlife veterinarian has involved him in many other wildlife projects, but the marmots have played a central role in his life for over 30 years.
• Tawny Molland, Lead Marmot Keeper
  Tawny is a Animal Care Technician and has worked in private Veterinarian practices and with wildlife recovery centres. She has been the lead Keeper at the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre for the past 5 years.

Field Operations

• Kevin Gourlay, RPBio, Field Coordinator
  Kevin joined the Foundation in 2020, initially working on the Field Team before assuming the Field Coordinator role. He is currently pursuing his Master degree, focusing on Vancouver Island marmot recovery efforts, during the off-season while leading the field team during the summer months.
• Shayn McAskin, Crew Lead/Acting Field Coordinator
  Shayn has worked with the Vancouver Island marmots since 2020. As Kevin advances his education, Shayn is taking on Field Coordinator responsibilities to ensure the Foundation is ready for a busy summer following marmots.
• Heather Heim, Wildlife Technician & Team Leader
  Even before she joined the Foundation as a member of the Field Team, Heather was making important contributions to the marmot recovery project by documenting a new marmot colony deep in Strathcona Provincial Park. She is now a Team Leader.
• Geric Coutts, Wildlife Technician & Team Leader
  Even in his off-time, Geric has managed to document new and expanded marmot colonies. A dedicated explorer, Geric has been a part of the marmot team for the past 4 seasons.
• Aidan Carey, Wildlife Technician & Marmot Keeper
  Last summer, Aiden joined the Foundation in a hybrid role, spending part of his time with the Field Crew while also being a part of the Animal Care Team at the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre.
• Tyler Gill, Wildlife Technician
  Prior to joining the Foundation, Tyler studied marmots during his undergraduate studies at Vancouver Island University. He has implemented that learning over the past 2 years as part of the Field Team.

Science & Research

• Dr. Tista Ghosh, PhD, University of Northern British Columbia
  Tista is researching the genetics and genomics of the Vancouver Island marmot with the goal of developing tools to better manage genetic diversity in both conservation breeding and wild populations of the Vancouver Island marmot. This research project is based out the lab of Dr Gorrell and Dr Janes at the University of Northern British Columbia, and funded by Marmot Recovery Foundation, MITACS Accelerate and NSERC.
• Dr Fernando Mercado Malabet, PhD, University of Northern British Columbia
  Fernando is modelling Vancouver Island marmot population and habitat viability and researching which mortality and survival factors play the greatest roles in determining the future of the wild population. This research project is based out the lab of Dr Gorrell and Dr Janes at the University of Northern British Columbia, and funded by Marmot Recovery Foundation, MITACS Accelerate and NSERC.

Board of Directors

• Sean Pendergast, Board and Recovery Team Chair
  Sean Pendergast is a Professional Biologist with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship. Sean is the Foundation Chair and the Chair of the Recovery Team. Sean has been working on recovering the Vancouver Island marmots since the early 2000s.
• Stuart Prescott, Treasurer & Secretary
  Stuart Prescott is an independent CPA and business owner.
• Randal Lake, Director
  Randal Lake is the Head, Protected Areas with the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment & Climate Change Canada.
• Sharon Hadway, Director
  Sharon Hadway is the Regional Executive Director of West Coast Operations for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development.
• Dean Prentice, Director
  Dean Prentice is the (recently retired) General Manager of Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
• Matthew LeRoy, Director
  Matthew LeRoy is the Coast Area Executive Director, Land Use Planning and Cumulative Effects Division with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship.
• Jimmie Hodgson, Director
  Jimmie Hodgson is the Vice-President Sustainability & Chief Forester of Mosaic Forest Management.
• Jocelin Teron, Director
  Jocelin Teron is a Professor of Forestry at Vancouver Island University.