Baum Lab Goes to Banff

This year the lab decided to take it out of province and travel to beautiful Banff National Park in Alberta! We packed into two cars and set off on the 11 hour drive, with a break in Lake Country halfway. We camped in Banff at Two Jack campground, sharing highlights of the previous year and goals for the new one, telling ghost stories, and eating s'mores. On Saturday, we were honoured to be led on a hike up Crowfoot Pass with Aerin Jacob and Ruth Midgley of Y2Y, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. They talked with us about career paths outside academia, conservation biology, and taught us ocean scientists a thing or two about Rocky Mountain ecology and bear safety. The weekend also included a nice dip in the Banff hot springs, a hike to the Wapta Falls, and some meaningful discussions on mental health and overcoming obstacles. Overall, the road trip sing-alongs, hiking adventures, and lab team bonding were a great way to kick off the school year!