Andrew Couturier
GIS Analyst

Telephone Ext. 213

I joined BSC in 1997 in the capacity of GIS Analyst. Previously, I worked as a science contractor for the Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, in support of the Canada-Ontario Agriculture Green Plan. Prior to that, I worked for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and as a nature interpreter for Parks Canada, where I developed an interest in birds (and a profound fascination with the peculiar behaviour and ceremonial dress of birders!) at Point Pelee National Park.

I earned a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Guelph in 1994, where my studies focused on natural resource management, landscape ecology, and cumulative effects assessment. As part of my studies, I had the opportunity to attend Wageningen Agricultural University in The Netherlands for 5 months on an international study-abroad program. Traveling everywhere by bicycle or by train and eating lots and lots of delicious cheese (and chocolate) was a real treat and cultural experience.

While I do not label myself a “birder,” I am most definitely interested in the ecology of birds, particularly at the landscape scale. Of specific interest is how patterns of land cover and management influence regional assemblages of bird species. The role of parks and protected areas in conserving biological diversity has always been of special interest to me as well. Since 2000, I have been a member of the Canadian Society for Landscape Ecology and Management and the International Association for Landscape Ecology.

In my spare time I enjoy gardening in the “naturalized” style, taking short hikes along the Bruce Trail, and photography. I share a home in Simcoe with partner Lisa, and young daughter, Claire.