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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.
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.
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.
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:
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. 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. 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. I am thrilled to announce that I have begun a new position as Conservation Scientist with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y). I will be based in Canmore, Alberta, with applied research throughout the Y2Y region. My two years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia have been terrific. I was fortunate to work with talented researchers and conservationists in the Marine Ethnoecology Lab (Natalie Ban & team) and Applied Conservation Science Lab (Chris Darimont & team), and their partners in the Great Bear Rainforest and Sea. They generously shared their knowledge, skills, and time with me – these experiences and collaborations will be invaluable on my path ahead. I will miss them all dearly.  Big wild places and wildlife have always been close to my heart. Stretching over 3200 km, the Yellowstone to Yukon region is one of the most intact mountain ecosystems in the world. For nearly 25 years, Y2Y has been a global leader in large-landscape conservation, working with diverse partners to connect and protect wild lands, waters, and biodiversity over 1.3 million sqkm. Critical to its success are commitments to collaboration and evidence-based work, values I care about deeply. As Y2Y’s Conservation Scientist (and for the first year continuing my Liber Ero Fellowship), I will design, conduct, and communicate applied research to inform key issues across the Yellowstone to Yukon region. This includes strengthening existing partnerships – and forging new ones! – with academic, conservation, media, industry, and governance communities. Y2Y has a bold mission: To connect and protect habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so that people and nature can thrive. I am excited to engage with partners to achieve it. More about Y2Y:
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