June 2012
Michael Bloomfield
By Nigel Douglas
Over the years, we have known many Albertans that we knew would have amazing stories to tell of the province’s wilderness if they were given a chance.
A regular feature was therefore added to the Wild Lands Advocate, and titled Recall of the Wild.
The Recall of the Wild stories feature wilderness and wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, experts and citizens. These articles are dedicated to individuals who have inspired us with their love of Alberta’s wild lands, wild rivers and wildlife, and their efforts and achievements for conservation.
February 2012
Tom Maccagno
December 2011
Zoe Preston
WW II Decoder, Avro Arrow Design Artist, Builder of K.C. the Bear
By Vivian Pharis, AWA Director
October 2011
Stephen Herrero
Scientist, Advocate, and Wilderness Defender
By Nigel Douglas
Stephen Herrero’s name is synonymous with bears. His contribution to our understanding of bears and their behaviour has been unparalleled in North America, probably in the world. Stephen left his native California in 1967 with a PhD in psychology/ zoology. His travels led him inexorably towards Alberta, where he began a long and fruitful association with the University of Calgary, studying how bears interact with one another and how this translates to their interactions with people. Throughout his career Stephen has shown an understanding that with the privilege of studying such spectacular creatures as grizzly bears comes the responsibility of advocating on their behalf. His renowned book Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance was first published in 1985, and has been in print ever since. It has sold more than 115,000 copies.
June 2011
Verna Siga
October 2010
Peter Lee
“Lee prefers to think of our accomplishments in terms of how we behave, how we interact with others. A successful life then is one where we ‘act with integrity, try to be a role model, have some fun…’.”
August 2010
Herb Kariel
“Herb Kariel’s… primary interest in nature has always been sharply focused on mountains and, especially, on getting to the top of them…”
December 2006
Vivian Pharis
Infused with a love of wilderness as a child roaming her grandparents’ ranch, Vivian Pharis has spent much of her life relentlessly advocating for the preservation of natural places. After completing a BSc in botany and a BEd, she taught high school biology and art for ten years. She has been involved with AWA since the 1960s, participating in the development of the Eastern Slopes Policy, leading cleanup trips on horseback in the Bighorn, acting as AWA President, and being a Board member for almost two decades. In 1992, Vivian was recognized for her achievements by being named one of the Calgary Herald’s Women of Consequence. Her love of horses and dogs, her experience as a vineyard owner, her artistic pursuits, and her passion for nature are just some of the threads in the tapestry of Vivian’s diverse life.
