Never Bogged Down in the Wetlands: Meet Brianna Powrie

Never Bogged Down in the Wetlands

Meet Brianna Powrie

By Mark Sapwell19 April 2025

Why are wetlands the unsung heroes of BC, and how can they be better protected? As efforts to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change intensify, wetlands have taken center stage. These dynamic landscapes play a crucial role in the ecosystem but can be challenging to understand and safeguard. It takes skilled and dedicated experts to analyze them—people like Brianna Powrie, an Ecosystem Biologist at The Nature Trust of BC (NTBC).

“Wetlands are a lifeline for so many different species,” Brianna explains from her home base in Kamloops. “They provide everything—food, shelter, water, corridors for migration, and nesting and breeding habitats. For many species, wetlands are essential.”

Over the past two field seasons, Brianna has been part of a federal initiative to map Canada’s wetlands, with a focus on those protected by NTBC. “There are many different kinds of wetlands,” she says. “Bogs, fens, and marshes are terms people use interchangeably, but to a biologist, they are distinct ecosystems that support different species and require specific conservation strategies.”

“Wetlands are a lifeline for so many different species.”

Brianna Powrie / Ecosystem Biologist

Data-driven conservation

Brianna’s role involves assessing vegetation, soil composition, and hydrology to classify wetland zones. “We spend anywhere from one to four days at each site, depending on its size, complexity, and accessibility,” Brianna explains. “Plant species can help indicate the type of wetland. For example, plants that thrive in acidic or stagnant environments can help us identify bog wetlands. Relying on plants is important because these wetlands aren’t always wet—some are only saturated for a short period during the growing season. That’s why we need these other markers to identify the type of wetland.”

This data, including ground and drone photography, contributes to the most comprehensive and up-to-date wetland mapping in Canada. “With this information, organizations like NTBC can prioritize conservation efforts and identify key areas for restoration projects.”

Encounters in the Field

What is fieldwork in the wetlands like? “Being in the field, immersed in nature, and getting my hands dirty is my absolute favourite thing,” Brianna says. “Every day is different, and you never know what you might encounter.”

One unforgettable moment took place in the East Kootenay region. “I was in a wetland, head down, entering data on my tablet. I must have been incredibly quiet because when I looked up, a young badger had emerged from the trees. It walked through the mud, pausing now and then to dig. Then, to my amazement, it started moving toward me. I stood still, barely believing what I was seeing. Badgers are endangered in BC due to habitat loss from ranching and land development, so this was an extraordinary sighting. When it got about a meter away, I decided that was close enough and shifted slightly. The badger stopped, stared at me for a few seconds, then calmly made its way along the water’s edge, took a drink, and wandered back into the trees.”

Protecting Wetlands

How can we all help preserve these vital ecosystems? “There are so many ways to support wetlands and nature,” Brianna says. “Donating to organizations like NTBC is a big one, especially as a monthly donor. Look for opportunities to join volunteer field days that support stewardship of conservation areas. At home, you can plant native species to support pollinators —every little bit helps. There’s so much we can do, and a lot of joy to be found in reconnecting with the natural world”

Some People Assume Wetlands Smell Bad – But do They Really?

Brianna grins. “They often don’t smell great,” she admits. “There’s the sulphur scent, the stagnant water, and decomposing vegetation. But to me, it’s the smell of nature, and I kind of love it.”

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We gratefully acknowledge that our Vancouver office is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, who have been stewarding this land since time immemorial. Our work and conservation areas encompass many lands throughout the province, and we humbly acknowledge the First Nations communities who live on and steward these lands.