Owen's Hiking And Adventures

-Living in a Biophilic World- 

     What does it mean to be "Biophilic" in a world dominated by human interests and a fragile natural landscape? This talk discusses how humans relate to the natural world in modern times, and explores how I've lived my life outdoors in many shades of green. I will share the rewards and challenges I've experienced- and how that applies to you. We will look at our daily lives in terms of how we are a part of nature- versus apart from it. 

-Thru-Hiking the Bruce Trail: 885 km, 37 days- 

     My story of the beautiful and harrowing solo expedition on Canada's oldest and longest marked hiking trail. The scenery of southern Ontario will definitely surprise you, and the stories will make you wince and wonder at once. The heartwarming community and corporate effort to support this hike is sure to inspire, as I raised thousands of dollars for local environmental and special needs charities. This hike and its message was recognized by the legendary David Suzuki and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

-Hidden Corners: NIAGARA- 

     This is my first published nature documentary; I decided to do it on my hometown area, which happens to be the most biodiverse (species rich) area in all of Canada. When friends team up to explore the lesser known green spaces of touristy Niagara, the discoveries and film obtained took the region by surprise. Scenic waterfalls without the tourists, mysterious big cats, ancient wetlands, and secretive animals you share space with are all featured in a talk that will help you appreciate Niagara's "other" backyard- let alone the hidden corners that surround you wherever you live. 

-Hidden Corners: EAST ANDES ECUADOR- 

     For my second published documentary, I will take you on a journey into the world famous Amazon rainforest in a location where it grows up the side of the Andes mountains. This precise area of the Amazon is the world's richest greenhouse of life. In this talk, I will showcase the biodiversity and indigenous values embedded in the jungle, as well as the global and personal lessons we can learn from it all. I will reveal what it was like to be the first ever outsider to set foot in some of these dark green hollows and how I dabbled in ayahuasca with a shaman. I will also discuss being hospitalized in a foreign country, and how eagerness and friendship quickly got me back into the forest for filming.

-Hidden Corners: FLORIDA-

     In my third published nature documentary, we dive in to what is perhaps Canada's favourite vacation spot- but not many people have seen Florida like this. Living out of a van while pushing through bugs and suppressing heat was certainly worth it. I was chased by an alligator up an embankment and lived to talk about it, so I discuss themes such as taking calculated risks and the value of savouring moments effectively. I filmed impossibly cute otters, snakes (yes, they're cute), and investigated the many conservation issues threatening Florida's- and therefore one of the world's- most remarkable wetlands.

-Hidden Corners: TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND-

     When you think of Australia, do you think of lush green tropical rainforests? How about the world's oldest rainforest? Covering less than 1% of the continent but containing the highest rate if endemism (species found nowhere else in the world), the State of Queensland's jungles are cloaked in beauty, importance and dangers alike. Where else in the world does the planet's oldest tropical rainforest butt up against the Great Barrier Reef? I have images and important lessons from both the land and sea to share with you. The underlying theme of this talk is understanding how relatively small areas can be disproportionately important to all of our wellbeing.

-Chasing High School Dreams- 

     Are you a student, of any age or stage, who twitches in your seat for a dream job or lifestyle? For me, the ideas of long distance expeditions, making nature documentaries, and starting an ecotourism company all began in high school. This talk is aimed at students who know what they love and want to make it happen. Equally, it is also for students who are appreciably unsure and open minded about their professional futures. This presentation will not only fuel students who consider a career in biology or geography- it will also encourage young people to chase their dreams realistically in any field. 

-Human Vulnerability in Nature- 

     This talk discusses the feelings and deeper message associated with being alone in nature- which I have done for thousands of collective hours in my life. What is it like to go several days without seeing anyone? What goes through your mind when the cell phone reception is gone, and mother nature throws her scariest mood at you? Have you ever been alone in the woods without feeling lonely? Is that a bear sniffing outside of my tent? I use my previous experiences from around the world to discuss these feelings, and what they might mean at a deeper level for humans and their relationship with nature. We will also dive into everyday human concepts such as resilience, calming strategies and how we interact with ourselves when it counts the most. 

-Saving Thundering Waters Forest- 

     Wade into the waters of a controversial and ongoing story located in the heart of world famous Niagara Falls. Trouble in paradise, you say? We will find out what  happens when politics trumps conservation in one of Canada's most outstanding wetland ecosystems. This bizarre and contentious story is about how the community was fighting to save this irreplaceable natural treasure. I was deeply involved in the advocacy for protecting this green space- and found out how concerned people can be targeted when "barking up the wrong tree". It is a case study that brought human rights, environmental protection, political happenings and controversial situations to the surface of the swamp. As we scratch the surface of this story, this presentation will leave us discussing how the combination of everyday people, the powers at be, media and salamanders interact with one another on a daily basis. 

-The Circle of Life- 

     This talk delicately proposes the similarities of the natural world our personal lives, and how similar themes occur across these realms. We will discuss the implications of events and people leaving and entering our lives, and how there is a challenging but comforting notion of nature's teachings. The end linkage is that we are still a part of nature, and that may help us expand our horizons and guide us forward. This is a specialized talk for reflecting, discussing, and healing with nature as your teacher, and me as your messenger.