Iggy interviews a Professional Forester

I’m excited for you to meet Ms Lacey.

Because she said yes to being interviewed today, we get to learn more about her career/jobs/interests and other stuff that makes her who she is!

Hi Ms Lacey…thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed today!

Very nice to meet you, thanks for reaching out! 

Where were you born?

I was born in Labrador City, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It’s a pretty remote community of about 10,000 people in the north. 

What’s a ‘fun fact’ about that place?

When I was growing up, high school wasn’t canceled until it was colder than -74 degrees celsius! That didn’t happen very often, but it was often very cold there, with a lot of snow. Many people drove to school on snowmobile in winter. 

Can you explain your job as a Forester?

My job is to make sure that forests are managed sustainably. That means that ecological and social values - like wildlife and recreation - are protected, while trees can be harvested to provide the wood products society needs. We all live in houses made out of wood and use many wood products daily, but it’s important to make sure that forests will still be around for all future generations. 

If somebody wanted to be a Forester, what would they have to do? 

In Canada, the most straight-forward path to becoming a forester is to go to university at a school with an accredited forestry program. Foresters are a regulated profession, like doctors or lawyers, so you have to apply to and be accepted into the professional association for the area you’ll work in. Getting the right education will get you on your way to that! I imagine it’s similar in the United States. 

What do you like best about your job?

I like that I get to work outside a lot of the time, and bring my dog with me to work. He’s an excellent co-worker! It also feels good to see the before, during and after of forest management and know that I’m taking actions to make sure the future forest is growing back as it should be. I learn something new every day. 

I know trees communicate with other trees through their root system…do you think they have feelings too?

I think that humans feel connected to forests - I know I do - and we like to imagine forests as human-like. But, as with most things in the natural world, trees are all about “survival of the fittest”. They are trying to out-compete each other, and these processes are wired in and not based on feelings. 

Did you like to climb trees when you were a kid? 

Funny enough, no. Although I spent a lot of time in the woods and at the cabin when I was growing up, I was pretty unathletic and spent most of my time reading books and listening to music! 

In addition to your full time job as a Forester, you also host an awesome series called “Volvo Penta’s Mighty Jobs”. How did you get that gig?

I was part of a short video about women in forestry in 2015 - only about 17% of Canada’s forest sector is made up of women. Someone in Sweden found that video on YouTube in 2018 while looking for a host for the webseries while it was being developed. They reached out to me on LinkedIn and I didn’t believe it was real. I certainly didn’t see that as being a path I would take. But it’s been really fun and I’m glad I said YES!

Do you get nervous when taping a show? 

Absolutely. But the crew is so amazing that it’s more fun than nerve wracking.

If so, what do you do to help calm yourself? 

It helps me a lot to prepare ahead of time. Do research so I can know a few things about what we’re featuring, and have my script memorized. 

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have a dog named Charlie. He’s big, brown, about a year and half old and loves to go in the woods with me. I also have 6 chickens! 

What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?

It’s called Moose Tracks and has all kinds of delicious goodies in it! 

If you could hang out with someone for a day, who would that be?

My Grandpa

And why? 

He passed away awhile ago but I’ve become very interested in my ancestry and have so many questions I’d love to ask him. Plus, he was a super cool guy! 

What’s your favorite color? 

Green, of course. 

What makes you feel really happy?

Hanging out with friends that make me laugh so hard I cry.  And traveling! 

What makes you feel sad?

Climate change and invasive species. 

What season do you like the most?

I love fall.

Why?

No bugs, cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colours. 

I know you’ve traveled a lot for the Volvo/Penta shows,  but if you could go anywhere in the world that you haven’t already been to, where would you go?

So many places! If I had to pick one, Iceland. 

Are you a morning person? 

I like to be productive in the morning, but do value a lazy morning to recharge once a week. 

Do you have a favorite song?

Anything by Sarah Harmer. 

If I could grant you one wish, what would it be?

More time to explore the world and have adventures please! 

Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed today Miss Lacey. I hope to meet you in person someday…maybe we could go for a walk in the woods together…

That would be nice! 

Be sure to check out Volvo Penta - Mighty Jobs

It’s a wonderful series and Lacey is just perfect as the host. She’s funny, happy and a great teacher. 

If you want to send Lacey a note, reach out to me and I’ll be sure to get it to her.