2013
Department of Environment and Conservation

With an unmatched ability to connect with people and a true passion for environmental education, Sharon Porter-Trask inspires co-workers, residents, and visitors to the province, to explore, discover and appreciate provincial parks and natural areas.

Striking a balance between education and entertainment, Sharon refocused the Park Interpretation Program and implemented professional certification for interpretation staff. By hiring and mentoring energetic and creative employees, she has helped to ensure meaningful, educational and, most of all, enjoyable experiences for visitors to parks and reserves.

Sharon brought her forward thinking and passion for the outdoors to the classrooms of the province. Her leadership launched Parks as Nature’s Classroom an initiative of educational field trips, for Kindergarten to Grade Six students. In partnership with the Department of Education she was a driving force in a multi-agency effort to develop new Environmental Science Curriculum for high schools. This initiative was the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In her current role as Manager of Environmental Education and Promotions, Sharon continues to promote parks and natural areas through organization of special events helping to connect people with the natural beauty and splendour of our province. She is guiding a team of parks employees in implementing Parks Proud – Celebrating 60 Years of Service to acknowledge accomplishments in the protection of the province’s natural heritage. She is also managing, in partnership with a community group Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc., the complex and rigorous UNESCO World Heritage nomination process for Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, on the southern Avalon Peninsula.

Sharon has focused on community relationships. She forged formal partnerships with local schools like Fatima Academy in St. Brides, and was involved in the development of non-profit groups like Friends of Cape St. Mary’s and Friends of Burnt Cape Ecological Reserves, and the popular Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series.

Evoking a management style that is caring, inspiring, enabling and supportive, Sharon has gained great respect among her colleagues and community stakeholders. She has been referred to as a bridge builder and as finding creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable issues. Sharon provides inspiration, guidance and dedication for the betterment of the province’s Parks and Natural Areas and shows no signs of slowing down after more than 30 years of exemplary public service.