Cowbirds to Calculating: Meet David

Introducing the Team at CPAWS Manitoba

David Swan is a behavioural ecologist who joined CPAWS Manitoba because he is passionate about science-based conservation. He has a great love for animals and is dedicated to habitat preservation and animal welfare. As CPAWS Manitoba’s Director of Operations, David organizes finances, provides human resources, tackles administration, guides our strategies, and keeps everyone on track.

Before joining CPAWS, David managed a non-profit veterans club and was instrumental in bringing the organization to the best financial situation it has ever been in. He also spent time teaching introductory biology at the University of Manitoba.

David obtained his PhD in Biology from Western University, where he studied the behaviour and ecology of the brood parasitic brown-headed cowbird. These clever birds lay their eggs in the nests of other host species, which then raise the cowbird young as their own. While they remain a potential conservation threat, cowbirds seem to have astounding memory and problem-solving abilities that allow them to live this unconventional lifestyle.

David received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Manitoba, where he studied the complex communication of ground squirrels and the kin recognition systems of slave-making ants. That’s right — there are ant species that get other ants to do all their work for them! You can read about David’s research in his published articles, or he is always willing to talk about science if you meet him in person.

While he has lived all over Western Canada and Ontario, David is a Prairie boy through and through. Whenever possible, he likes to lose himself, and occasionally his wife and daughters in Whiteshell Provincial Park on a long hike, canoe, or kayak trip. David’s other interests include gardening, swimming and whitewater kayaking — though this often becomes whitewater swimming.

Q+A with Director of Operations David Swan

1. What Is Your Main Role with CPAWS Manitoba?

As the Director of Operations at CPAWS Manitoba, I am involved with nearly every aspect of the organization. I like to think that it is my job to help the other staff excel in their work by helping the organization run smoothly and efficiently and aligning our operational activities with CPAWS’ strategic goals. We are at an exciting time, with our staff more than doubling over this past year. It has been a great pleasure to help shape the roles and responsibilities of our growing team.

I work closely with our conservation team to ensure our deadlines and deliverables are met and help keep our work plans on track. I also advise the team on overall strategy, drawing on my background in science to contribute to research and scientific reporting. I also serve as the team’s de facto GIS specialist.

I am responsible for the finances of CPAWS Manitoba and work hard to make sure our bills are paid, budgets are on track, and bookkeeping is accurate and up to date. I am heavily involved with our grant management and resource development— sourcing funding opportunities and supporting the development of funding applications and reports.

I handle the majority of human resources and administration at CPAWS Manitoba — a surprisingly fulfilling job as I get to help a passionate team thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to support them in turning their passion for conservation into tangible actions that protect our lands and waters for future generations. 

2. What Do You Hope to Achieve with Your Work?

I believe in the CPAWS mandate of protecting 50% of Canada’s lands and waters. This is such a simple and effective way to support biodiversity, ensure ecological health, combat climate change, support Indigenous rights, enhance recreational opportunities and demonstrate global leadership and responsibility. I like to think that my efforts help our team thrive with their own work as we move to that ambitious goal. 

3. Favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is looking at the big picture and everything that needs to be done at CPAWS, and then helping to coordinate all the moving parts to get there. It’s like piecing together a puzzle where each person’s contribution leads to tangible, positive change.

4. What Inspires You to Protect and Be an Advocate for Nature?

I am most at peace when I can be alone in a canoe in one of Manitoba’s remote lakes or rivers. These areas are precious for countless reasons, but selfishly they do wonders for my own well-being. I want to make sure that my daughters will have the same opportunities that I did growing up where you can paddle until you have the world to yourself.

5. What are you working on right now in CPAWS?

Planning new roles and responsibilities, hiring staff and onboarding them as they integrate into the team.

Fast Facts:

1. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Dad, organized, scientist, environmentalist, and movie/music buff.

2. Fav outdoor activity?

Solo kayak trip.

3. Fav Manitoba Vacation spot?

My cabin at Big Whiteshell Lake

4. Fav Provincial Park?

Whiteshell Provincial Park

5. Fav Winnipeg Park?

Assiniboine Forest

6. Fav nature book or documentary?

The Ants by E.O. Wilson and Bert Holldobler. What can I say? Ants are beyond amazing and most people don’t ever think to look. Everything you need to know is in the book.