Leslie Grattan, Board member of Atlantic Region (courtesy of Leslie Grattan)

Leslie Grattan

Board member

Leslie Grattan is a member of the Board of Directors of the Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC's) Atlantic Region.

Ms. Grattan lives in Newfoundland and Labrador. Having dreamed of being a marine biologist since the age of 13, she has pursued her studies in that field at several universities in Canada and abroad and has lived and worked beside the ocean since 1970.

Ms. Grattan has been working in marine environmental management for more than 30 years, primarily in resource industries. She has also worked with both the federal and provincial governments, including the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is now the owner of her own consulting company and has focused on environmental assessment and management of marine development projects.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking along the coast. She has been and continues to be active in a number of organizations involved in environmental education and awareness.

We recently spoke with Leslie about her interest in nature, and NCC:

NCC: What is your favourite species?

LG: I have two! Otters, because here in Newfoundland and Labrador they are part of both the freshwater and the marine environments. And children (humans!), because they are so open to seeing the environment.

NCC: Which Nature Conservancy of Canada property or natural area do you enjoy the most?

LG: I spend most time in the NCC Fog Forest, close to St. John’s.

NCC: What made you decide to get involved with the Nature Conservancy of Canada?

LG: I support NCC’s overall goals and approach and would like to assist with NCC’s work here in Atlantic Canada.

NCC: What are your impressions or thoughts on what you have seen so far regarding the work we do?

LG: It is early days for me, but one thing that has impressed me is the extended reach of the Nature Conservancy of Canada through a tremendous range of people — from children to their grandparents, from those who are office-bound to those who are fortunate to have time to physically explore our landscapes.