Volunteer profile: Maja

Volunteers are often frequent visitors to the park and this volunteer is no different. Maja can often been found in the park and has a special relationship with the bear population at Minnekhada. Ask her about any one of them and she has lots of information to share! She cares deeply about the park and that’s why we love having her as part of our volunteer team!

“Minnekhada is a hidden gem. It holds an amazing aura of energy and solitude. Once you see it, you will fall in love.”

How long have you been involved with Minnekhada Regional Park and why did you decide to volunteer?
10 years! I have been very involved with Minnekhada and the surrounding areas of the park and beyond. I know all of the park staff and residents in and around the area.

In what activities are you involved? How did you get started?

I joined the bat count last year and really enjoyed it. I’ve learned so much about bats and feel really good knowing that I’m helping to be part of the bat success team.  This year, I’ll be signing up for all the counts to continue to watch them grow in numbers. They are truly wonderful creatures. 

I have been donating my own funds to create the yellow, Slow Down Bear, signs that you see all along the road around the park. I’ve put a lot of effort to put them up each year before the bear season starts. I have had many people stop to say how great they are and even all of the residents along and within the park have been very appreciative of them. The effort is to ensure that vehicles are aware of the crossing areas where wildlife travels through.  
I’ve also been doing a lot of bear education in Coquitlam, on trails and areas where people walk and hike to spread positive bear awareness and things to do when you encounter a bear. My passions for wildlife and positive encounters with wildlife is my passion. I want others to enjoy the area with the appreciation and respect for wildlife,  making it a fun experience and a learning opportunity.
 

What is your favourite thing / hike / location in the park?
High knoll is a place of wonder. The hike is full of beautiful trails, taking you up to the view point. Also, you get to see lots of wildlife and birds along the way. The quiet moments when climbing the trails leaves you breathless. 

In your opinion, what makes Minnekhada special?
Minnekhada is a place of peace and serenity. The mountains, trails, marsh and wildlife is a place of beauty. I forget everything when I’m there.

What is your advice to people who are not aware of the Park OR not aware of the activities we have here?
Come and explore the beauty.

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