Kristie Wegener (Photo courtesy of Kristie Wegener)

Kristie Wegener

Kristie Wegener is the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC’s) director of conservation for the Rocky Mountain Front region of Alberta. She manages securement, stewardship, science, outreach and whatever else needs to be done in the southern Foothills region. She also oversees a team in the rest of the Rocky Mountain Front region. Her role allows her to travel to see the diverse landscapes and work with people in the Cardston, Waterton, Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass areas.

Kristie became an NCC summer conservation intern with the Waterton Park Front project in 2005 and returned in 2006 for a portion of the summer before she was hired to fill a maternity position.

She grew up with a family that spent a considerable amount of time in the outdoors, camping and fishing. At a young age, she knew that she wanted to work in the outdoors and was passionate about conservation.

Kristie holds a diploma in renewable resource management and a certificate of specialization in fish and wildlife techniques from Lethbridge College, as well as a post-diploma bachelor of science degree with a major in environmental studies from the University of Lethbridge. Her previous experience includes being an active member of many different organizations, including The Wildlife Society – Lethbridge College Chapter, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Alberta Fish and Game Association and the High River Fish and Game Association. She has also worked for Parks Canada in Waterton Lakes National Park as a member of the trail crew.

When not at work, Kristie enjoys road trips, motorcycle trips, hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, quadding and spending time with her family and friends. Her favourite species is grizzly bear, with a close second being burrowing owl, which she has been fortunate enough to see in southeast Alberta. Her favourite plant species are western larch and tamarack trees.