Tracy Wirak Cassidy is the new Takshanuk Watershed Council education coordinator. She’ll be responsible for managing the Starvin’ Marvin Garden and Haines School composting program along with a new effort to promote a bear safety education campaign.
“We’re working with (the Alaska Department of) Fish and Game and the Great Bear Foundation on a bear-safety and trash-securing education campaign,” TWC executive director Derek Poinsette said. “We hope to keep doing field trips with the kids at the school and maybe even expand those programs.”
Wirak Cassidy, a former teacher and education coordinator at the public library, said she’s excited to continue working with students.
“I’m interested in more of the experiential type of education that Takshanuk offers,” Wirak Cassidy said. “I felt it was a good opportunity to step into that position and keep the garden going. When I was teaching, I always loved when Takshanuk came in. It felt like a natural fit. Education is something I’m passionate about, that and being outdoors. It combines two things I really enjoy.”
Wirak Cassidy said she’s been discussing offering Zoom and, hopefully, in-person classes that will teach people how to properly install electric fences and other methods to protect property from bear damage.
Wirak Cassidy is taking over from Marie Boisvert, who is moving back east to be closer to family.