Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is pleased to welcome Karen Barry, MSc, RPBio as our new Manager, Biology & Evaluation. Karen holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Waterloo and an M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Victoria. She is a registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology of BC and has held positions in research, government, consulting, and non-profit organizations.

Karen’s background includes work in freshwater and marine biology in the Great Lakes, Chesapeake and Delaware Bay, and BC. More recently, Karen’s work with Bird Studies Canada involved coordinating volunteer bird monitoring programs, writing technical reports, and leading training workshops. Karen also has experience with the West Coast Conservation Land Management Program where she led fish and wildlife inventory and restoration projects in wetlands and estuaries on Vancouver Island and the central and north coast. While working with other conservation organizations, Karen became very familiar with HCTF’s funding programs from an applicant perspective. Karen brings additional experience in planning events, working with boards, and delivering public outreach.

Originally from Montreal, Karen has lived on Vancouver Island since 2000 and in her spare time, she enjoys exploring wild places, gardening, birding, hiking, canoeing, reading, and baking. She looks forward to supporting HCTF and advancing conservation of fish and wildlife in BC.

Karen’s first day in the office is November 1. Our wonderful outgoing Biology & Evaluation Manager Kathryn Martell will be staying on with HCTF part-time for the immediate future to ensure an effective transition. From all of us at HCTF, welcome Karen!