Environmentalist In Residence
Toronto Public Library's Environmentalist in Residence (EnvIR) serves as an industry expert in the area of conservation and sustainability, offering programs, workshops and community consultations as part of the Our Fragile Planet program series.
Our Environmentalist in Residence for fall 2020 (August 31 to November 6) is Andrés Jiménez Monge.
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Andrés Jiménez Monge is the Urban Program Coordinator at Birds Canada and a biologist with a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, with a focus on business and the environment. With a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world, Andrés started working in conservation and environmental management at the young age of fifteen.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, his accomplishments include leading a grassroots NGOs coalition in the successful effort to ban destructive shrimp trawling fishing, advocating towards the improvement of the Costa Rican fisheries management, finding a new population of previously thought to be extinct harlequin toad (Atelopus vairous), and creating a first of its kind online course on birding by ear for people with sight loss and reduced vision.
Currently, Andrés develops and delivers innovative programming to increase urban engagement with birds and conservation in cities across Ontario with Birds Canada, and is an active board member with Planet in Focus. Andrés is also co-founder of @happiestnature on Instagram, where he and Junaid Khan explore the link between mental health and nature, while encouraging others to share how they tap into everyday nature. Andrés' curiosity with how people and institutions coexist with wildlife, took him to fuse art with science to reflect the impact of human activities on ecosystems through his passion for photography. Check out his photoblog at www.razaverde.com
Meet Andrés Jiménez Monge
Andrés talks about his expertise and the programs and workshops he is offering during his residency. In conversation with Janelle Richards, TPL's first Environmentalist in Residence in 2018.
Upcoming Programs
For a complete list of all Our Fragile Planet programs, click here.
Past Programs
If you missed the live broadcasts or want to watch them again, view these on-demand videos hosted by Andrés Jiménez Monge.
- Accessible Birding: Connecting with Nature Beyond Disabilities
- Birding by Ear: Mindful Listening
- Birding from Home: Create a B&B for Birds
- Coral Ghosts: 60 Years of Photos to Inspire You to Save the Reefs
- Cormorants: To Cull or Protect
- Finding Flowers: Using Science and Art to Address Conservation Issues
- Newcomers but Not New to Nature: What It Means to Feel at Home
- Who Named That Bird? Decolonizing Birds with Joseph Pitawanakwat
- Writing About Birds with Author Julia Zarankin
Read his blog posts
These residencies and the Our Fragile Planet program series is made possible through the generous support from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF).
Past Environmentalists In Residence
Fall 2019
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Since 2016, Sophi Robertson lives a waste-less lifestyle and is actively engaged with community members, brands and companies to live more sustainably. Through her work as @YourEcoFriend, and as one of the administrators on the Zero Waste Toronto Facebook group, she regularly offers practical and accessible ideas, tips and solutions related to reducing waste.
In her current role as the Zero Waste Event Coordinator at the Toronto Tool Library, Sophi motivates community members to think and act on areas of reducing waste and sustainability through events, outreach and resources.
Read her blog posts
- Back to School for Less
- Let's. Talk. Period. National Period Day is October 19, 2019
- 5 Tips for a Greener Holiday Season
Check out some of her interviews
Thank you Sophi!
Spring 2019
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Broti Kar is an Ontario certified teacher and a graduate of the Environmental Studies program from York University. She has over six years of experience working in environmental education with prominent environmental organizations such as the Centre for Urban Ecology and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. In her various roles, she has designed and taught outdoor education programs on topics including wetland ecosystems, food production, urban wildlife and waste reduction.
Currently, Broti is the Children's Education Supervisor of Community Programs at the Toronto Botanical Garden. In this capacity, she leads, develops and delivers interactive programs for children and their families, as well as large-scale community events. Her immense creativity, energy and generosity result in impactful and inspiring environmental education.
Read her blog posts
- Nurturing Children's Connection to Nature
- My First Month as the Environmentalist in Residence: So Many Questions, So Little Time
- My Time as the Environmentalist in Residence: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Thank you Broti!
2018
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From June 4 to August 11, 2018, Janelle Richards served as Toronto Public Library's first Environmentalist in Residence (EnvIR) as an industry expert in the area of conservation and sustainability, offering programs, workshops and community consultations at the Albion and Scarborough Civic Centre branches. Learn more about Janelle.
Read her blog posts
- Dive into the World of Water
- Not-So-Final Goodbyes from the EnvIR but More to Come from Our Fragile Planet!
Check out some of her interviews
Thank you Janelle!