AERIN JACOB - Blog

Conservation scientists and practitioners should write in popular media

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:16:49 GMT

Conservation scientists and practitioners already produce work that can matter beyond journal articles, technical reports, and conference talks. Public writing is one way to get more value and impact from work you have already done. Taking that small extra step helps your work reach people who make, influence, fund, or care about the natural world.

This kind of writing doesn't involve "dumbing things down". Instead, it means making the work clear, useful, and compelling for people who may not share our training or acronyms.

A strong public piece usually has:

A clear audience
A timely or interesting angle
Plain language, without jargon
A story, example, person, or place
Enough evidence to be credible, without trying to include everything

This kind of writing is professionally useful too. It shows initiative, judgment, follow-through, and the ability to translate complex ideas. For students and early-career professionals, it can stand out in job applications. For more established scientists and practitioners, it can support leadership, partnerships, fundraising, public trust, and policy influence.

Before you sit down to write, ask yourself key questions: What do I already have that could be useful to others? Who needs it? Why now? What could this piece help them understand, decide, fund, protect, or do differently? Then start small and welcome feedback from others.

Here are some examples of different ways to turn existing work, experience, or expertise into public-facing writing. Notice the different angles and outlets.

Chasing caribou across a changing Arctic ← first person story
Environmental assessment policy must be based on science ← multi-person op-ed
Our remote field work taught us how to band together as scientists ← multi-person story
Five tips for scaling conservation initiatives ← multi-person research summary
Conserving hope ← first person story

Useful resources:

COMPASS Science Communication has many resources, including "Op-Ed Writing: It’s OK to Argue for something".
AGU's toolkits help scientists identify different non-specialist audiences
Stephen Heard’s blog and books remind us that clear writing is a core scientific skill
Canadian Science Publishing guide to short, accessible research summaries
For university-based researchers, a media or public relations office might give advice.

Places to pitch or publish:

Canadian options

The Conversation Canada is for university-affiliated researchers writing evidence-based, timely pieces for general audiences, usually with editorial support.
IRPP Policy Options is good for topics with a public policy angle. Accepts English or French submissions.
Environment-related journalism outlets: The Narwhal, Canada’s National Observer, The Tyee and others may accept timely conservation stories with strong public-interest angles.

International options

Current Conservation: Multiple submission types, including stories, field notes, interviews, research summaries, photos, and writing specifically for kids. .
Edge Effects: Especially for early-career authors. Multiple submission types.

Self-publishing and partner channels

Organization, university, or partner blogs can be useful for project updates, field stories, explainers, interviews, and reflections.
Local nature organizations often welcome submissions for their website or newsletter.

Studying recreation so people and nature can thrive (NCC blog post)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:31:21 GMT

I published a post on Land Lines, the blog for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) about one of my favourite research projects to date -- something I started and led when I ran the science program at Yellowstone to Yukon and continued when I joined NCC. You can read it on NCC's blog (along with other posts!) or here.

"Studying recreation so people and nature can thrive"
October 19, 2025
by Aerin Jacob

Spending time in nature is key for our mental and physical health. But as more people seek a connection to the outdoors, the pressure on natural landscapes and wildlife grows. From hiking and biking to snowmobiling and skiing, outdoor recreation is booming across Canada. And with this surge in outdoor activity comes a challenge: how do we enjoy nature without compromising cherished ecosystems or creating conflict?

That’s the question driving “recreation ecology” research that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has collaborated on with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, the University of Northern British Columbia and other partners.

Over six years, researchers studied when, where, how, and how many people are involved in outdoor recreation in western Alberta and eastern British Columbia. We needed to know how activities overlap with each other and with sensitive wildlife habitat.

Nature guides us to think big

Right from the start, we knew we had to work at a broad spatial scale. Wildlife move across valleys, over mountain passes and inside and outside parks to find food, safety, rest and mates.

As an avid outdoor recreationist, I recognize this decision-making in my own choices: returning to favourite places or exploring new ones, seeking company or solitude, moving fast or slow.

It didn’t make sense to study just one type of recreation, in one season or in one park because that’s not what happens in real life.

The study area covers western Alberta and eastern British Columbia. (Graphic: Loosen Studio)

A new approach to recreation data
Traditional recreation monitoring tools like trail counters and cameras have long been used to measure outdoor activity. But this research goes further: integrating user-generated data from apps like Strava and AllTrails for a fuller picture of recreation patterns. By combining these sources with existing information, we mapped more than 54,000 kilometres of trails and linear features — 27 per cent of which were previously undocumented.

Mountain biking in the Rockies includes bear safety. (Photo: Aerin Jacob)

That’s important because accurate information is essential for planning and management. Whether it’s for backcountry search and rescue, reducing conflict with wildlife or planning alternative routes and services, we need to understand where people go and why. Comparing different data types reveals trade-offs in cost, time, sensitivity, scale, seasonality and more.

Our innovative approach allows for seasonal mapping of motorized and non-motorized recreation activities, alongside habitat quality maps for sensitive species at risk of extinction like grizzly bear, mountain caribou and wolverine. These insights are critical for identifying areas of overlap between high recreation use and high-quality wildlife habitat.

The search for solutions

The research highlights how different species respond to recreation. For example, grizzly bears often share low-elevation valley bottoms with hikers and bikers in spring, increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict. Wolverines, sensitive during their winter denning season, face pressure from high-elevation winter recreation like skiing and snowmobiling. Mountain caribou are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance, especially during the stressful winter season and because it can increase access for predators.

Researcher collecting data during winter aerial surveys. (Photo: Aerin Jacob)

Climate change adds another layer of complexity, especially in winter. Warmer winters and more precipitation falling as snow brings unpredictability, a shorter snow season and concentrating recreation into smaller areas — further straining wildlife habitats. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing species-specific guidelines and thresholds for responsible recreation.

From research to action
The goal of this project isn’t just to gather data — it’s to drive positive change. By equipping land managers, governments, Indigenous Nations and communities and recreation leaders with evidence-based tools and recommendations, this and other recreation ecology research informs better planning, management and policy.

Key recommendations include:

Using a mix of traditional and user-generated tools to monitor recreation;
Incorporating recreation data from a variety of sources into wildlife habitat models;
Supporting collaboration among researchers, managers and recreationists;
Promoting responsible recreation through digital platforms and outreach; and,
Establishing practices and policies that protect sensitive species from recreation impacts.

Why it matters
Outdoor recreation touches so many aspects of our lives, from health and social to economic and cultural. Wise management and planning is crucial for longevity and coexistence. Without it, increased recreation can unintentionally degrade habitats, disturb wildlife and diminish outdoor experiences for everyone.

This has been one of my most rewarding research projects. The results help decision-makers prioritize coexistence in recreation — now and in the future. It’s a model of how science, collaboration and creativity can ensure that when nature thrives, people thrive.

Results from this research are being published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. That includes comparing different tools to measure recreation (Vilalta Capdevila et al. 2024), what that tells us about the cumulative footprint of recreation (Loosen et al. 2023), and habitat needs for species sensitive to recreation (Schepens et al. 2023), as well as others in progress.

Interdisciplinary Conservation in Canada seminar series

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 07:00:00 GMT

I love sharing the work that Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and our >450 partners do across the massive Y2Y region. Discussing research and conservation at universities, government agencies, and in public venues is fun and a great way to get feedback. But giving talks often involves travel by air or vehicle, which means greenhouse gas emissions...

That's why I was so pleased to join York University's Interdisciplinary Conservation in Canada seminar series, held entirely online in Winter 2020. Links to my talk are below, and please check out the other speakers -- from birds and caribou to plants and climate change. .

We had technical challenges - like the white box in Part 1 that says MIKE - so bear with me.

Link to Part 1 (30 min)

Link to Part 2 (15 min)

Y2Y blog post "Learning from a leader in conservation"

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:00:00 GMT

I talk to a lot of people who want to work in conservation-related science, practice, or policy. These careers can be so exciting, intellectually challenging, and deeply fulfilling.

But it can also be difficult to know where to start or how to integrate various interests, skills, and experiences in these jobs.

This blog post explains a bit about my career path to becoming the Conservation Scientist at Y2Y. I talked about it during an interview with the Best of the WWEST podcast, too.

The best way to find out about conservation-related job opportunities in the Y2Y region (and beyond) is to sign up for our weekly newsletter or keep an eye on the job board. Good luck!

The "My STEM Job" film series

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:00:00 GMT

A new Instagram campaign highlights 20 women across Canada who work in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). #MySTEMJob series aims to inspire a new generation of girls to consider these careers. I was stoked to talk about conservation biology and Y2Y.

The films were developed through a partnership of Ingenium, Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, the National Film Board of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Canadian Museum of Nature, They were filmed by the fabulous duo at Mirror Image Media -- highly recommend working with them! They're fun, energetic, professional, and made me feel at ease.

Watch all 20 films here (1 minute each). Meet a CEO, genomics specialist, astrophysicist, futurist, ecologist, mineralogist, cannabis researcher, paleontologist, disaster researcher, and more.

Diversify who gets interviewed in media, invited to symposia, etc.

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 17:36:20 GMT

This issue has been written about at the World Economic Forum, The Open Notebook (including many resources), by Ed Yong and Adrienne LaFrance at The Atlantic, and others.

Use these free, online databases to find sources -- experts to be interviewed by media, invite to collaborate or speak at a symposium or seminar series, and more.

Know another opt-in comphrensive database or resource with focus on elevating under-represented groups? Comment or email/DM me.

Informed Opinions Expert Women database (Canada)

People listed in the Expert Women database are available for inquiries from journalists, producers, conference planners, recruiters, & research collaborators. Includes many disciplines (not just STEM) and sectors. Sign up here. Informed Opinions also a lot of resources.

500 Women Scientists (international)

Request a Woman Scientist platform connects an extensive multidisciplinary network of vetted women in science with anyone who needs to consult a scientist for a news story, invite a keynote speaker or panelist for a conference or workshop, find a woman scientist to collaborate on a project, or serve as a subject matter expert in any capacity. Easy filters (location, discipline, under-represented minority, etc) and has thousands of experts listed. Sign up here.

500 Queer Scientists

Use the 500 Queer Scientists database to find experts who are LGBTQ+.

Diverse Sources (science, health, environment)

Search the Diverse Sources database to include more underrepresented voices and perspectives in your science, health and environment work on deadline. Includes multiple languages - currently has ~450 experts around the world. Doesn't have great search features (e.g., no way to filter by location, expertise, etc.). Sign up here.

Diversify EEB (ecology and evolutionary biology)

Diversify EEB database highlights PhD-holding ecologists and evolutionary biologists who are women &/or underrepresented minorities. Sign up at the same link. Also see Diversify EEB Grads (for graduate students).

Women's Media Centre 'She Source' (multi-disciplinary)

She Source is an online database of media-experienced women experts who can be connected to journalists, bookers and producers. Searchable database, including highlighting experts according to timely subjects currently in the news. Apply to be included in the database.

Women Also Know Stuff (political science)

The Women Also Know Stuff searchable database helps academics and journalists identify and connect with women academics conducting research on a multitude of issues related to the study of politics. Currently has >1700 entries.

Places to publish scientific commentaries

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT

A few years ago I was looking for a list of scientific journals that published commentary pieces (e.g., letters to the editor, essays, more policy-oriented pieces) for what would become Fox et al. 2015. I couldn't find a comprehensive list, so I started one. It's largely focused on conservation, ecology, environmental management, and sustainability science. Some articles are peer-reviewed while others aren't.

I'll update it once in a while. Please comment with a link (or email/DM me) if you know of other venues and article types.

Biodiversity and Conservation
- Letter to Editor (<1000 words) on research articles published either in this journal or in other journals; can be controversial, need to cite supporting evidence for views expressed.
Biological Conservation
- Editorial: Opinion pieces by experts on a timely topic, usually invited by the Editor.
- Perspective: Present a novel, distinctive viewpoint on any subject, grounded in evidence, thought-provoking (<8000 words)
- Policy analysis: Contemporary, internationally relevant conservation or conservation-related policy issues that enable researchers, policy makers, and practitioners to make timely contributions to policy debates and actions (<4000 words)
- Short communication: highlight novel research and/or replication studies with compelling preliminary findings relevant to conservation science/practice (<4000 words)
Biotropica
- Commentary (<2000 words): authoritative opinion on current issues in ecology or conservation, or thought-provoking commentary on previously published paper.
Conservation Biology
- Letters (<1000 words) regarding topics of immediate interest to readers, including on controversial subjects or papers previously published in the journal
Conservation Letters
- View Point (<1000 words), typically single-authored and invited by Editor-in-Chief, and aim to raise awareness and stimulate debate related to topical policy, practice and research relevant to conservation and human well-being.
- Policy Perspectives (<3000 words) to discuss recent developments or ideas with broad and significant policy relevance to conservation
Conservation Science & Practice
- Perspectives and Notes (3000 words) to develop ideas with broad significance to conservation science, policy or practice
- Evidence (1000 words) is related to the practice of conservation, including policy and planning
Ecography
- News & Views (<1500 words) are comments on recent exciting original research in Ecography or other relevant journals.
Facets
- Editorial: <1400 words, no author limit, references and figures OK
- Note: Reports completed project of smaller scope
- Perspective: Fully referenced thought-piece discussing scientific concepts and proposing new ideas
- Science Applications Forum: Link scientific knowledge to policy, management, public interests, industry applications
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
- Letters (Write Back): <800 words, max 10 authors, <15 references, one small figure or table
- Guest editorial (~700 words), usually invited by the editor
ICES Journal of Marine Science
- Food for Thought essays on topical,provocative, or innovative issues, solicited or offered to stimulate dialogue, research, and ideas
Journal of Applied Ecology
- Commentary: conceptual advance, opinion, or identifying gaps in knowledge
- Policy Direction: improving and implementing decisions, management, policy
- Practitioner’s Perspective: for practitioners to bridge research and the real world, make clear recommendations
Marine Ecology Progress Series
- As I See It: important, personal views on hot topics ("brief and fair", i.e., take your lengthy diatribe elsewhere)
Ocean and Coastal Management
- Discussion papers (commentaries)
- Correspondence (letters to the editors)
Nature
- Correspondence: <300 words, usually max 3 authors
- Comment: word limit not specified, 1-many authors, usually solicited by editors
- Insights, Reviews, and Perspectives: Word limit not specified, 1-many authors
- World View: ~900 words, single author, draw on personal experience and a call action
Pacific Conservation Biology
- News and correspondence (<1000 words) relevant to scientists at academic, research and non-governmental institutions; journal focuses on Australasia and Pacific
PLOS Computational Biology
- Ten Simple Rules: Papers provide quick, concentrated guide for mastering some of the professional challenges research scientists face in their careers.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Commentaries: invited by the editorial board
- Front Matter (various types): invited by the editorial board.
- Perspectives: invited by the editorial board
- [Anyone else think that's problematic? How does one get invited to this club?]
Science
- Letter to the editor: <300 words, seems to be about max 4 authors
- Perspectives: <1000 words, 1 figure, 1-2 authors
- Policy forum: 1000-2000 words, 1-2 figures, up to 15 references, 1-many authors

Also, here's info about open-access fees in ecology, evolution, & conservation journals (not sure who made it).

2018 Y2Y Conservation Science Intern, Elvis Acheampong

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:00:00 GMT

One of the best parts of my job at Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is working with undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other early-career researchers.

This summer, Elvis Acheampong joined me in our Canmore office for his summer internship. Elvis is a Master's student at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, where he is studying Environmental Management. He wrote a blog post about his some of his experiences while living in Canmore and interning with Y2Y, including reflections on seeing bears, wildlife crossing structures, practical conservation work, and outdoor recreation here in the Bow Valley. Elvis has now returned to finish his studies at Yale. It was great to have him work with Y2Y!

Update: Elvis also wrote about Y2Y research for the Yale Environmental Review:

Hiking in Kananaskis Country near Canmore. Photo by Aerin Jacob.

Western toads are THE BEST and here is why.

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

It's no secret that my favourite animal is the western toad. Here's an article in a recent Y2Y newsletter where I describe why western toads are a fantastic species that represent so much of what the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative works towards.

https://y2y.net/news/updates-from-the-field/species-to-know-about-western-toads

Sign up for Y2Y newsletters here (Connections is biannual, Conservation News is weekly).

Being a 'Habitat Helper'

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

I talked to Sarah Boon, freelance writer for Nature, about why working on research with Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is my dream job. Our conversation ranged widely, including the similarities and differences between research at an NGO and in academia, how I got the job (fabulous colleagues sent it to me and encouraged me to apply), and the kind of activities involved. It was fun for me to reflect on the first six months into my new job.

https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v550/n7676/full/nj7676-421a.html

Some of the things that didn't go into the final version include the importance of teamwork (my colleagues at Y2Y are fantastic), collaboration and sharing, and why practical conservation takes more than publishing research papers.

Sarah later wrote a blog post about the interview and writing process. It was interesting for me to see her perspective, including the role of editors and why interviewees have to try hard - really hard! - to be specific in our answers and give examples. "Show, don't tell." Great opportunity to reflect on my own science communication. Follow Sarah on Twitter and her blog.

After work hike to West Wind Pass, near Canmore. Photo by Ross Donihue.