With Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA
Preserving Nature, Promoting Health with Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA
What if just a couple hours in nature a week could completely change your week and your health? Research has linked spending two hours per week in nature to better health, sleep, and well-being. In fact, having visual access to nature at home or the workplace can help reduce depression and stress and improve cognitive function.
With all these benefits, how often do we truly take advantage of our natural surroundings? Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA not only appreciates the nature he encounters but actively promotes and protects Alberta’s natural areas. CPA Assist asked Frank about what led to his passion for conservation.
What inspired your passion for nature conservation?
My family enjoyed camping, and I was heavily involved in Scouting, both as a youth and leader. As a bonus, growing up in Calgary meant “going to the mountains” was something you did as a kid. While raising my family, I continued with that tradition. Our youngest son first canoed the Red Deer River when he was about two years old.
My retirement project was to write an Edmonton trail guide with a trail classification and rating system for areas within a two-hour drive of the city. Visiting these sites, I realized many have been abused; thus, my retirement project expanded into reporting on the state of these sites through the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas.
What is your favourite part about being in nature?
I enjoy the meditative and health benefits of nature. As humans, we evolved in nature and there is a deep-seated connection with nature that needs to be periodically re-affirmed.
A side benefit of exploring Alberta’s protected areas is the sense of discovery and adventure. While some of the sites have trails and amenities, many have not seen a visitor in months or years. In my travels, I have seen an ancient tractor in the middle of a marsh. How did it get there? On a winter trip, I came across a kill site. An unfortunate rabbit was fought over by an owl and coyote. Who won that battle, and who went hungry that day? There is always something interesting around the next corner of a trail.
Where are some of your favourite places to walk or hike?
I am attempting to visit each one of the hundreds of protected areas that are spread across the province. Some are very remote, some are islands, some are near cities. In other words, my favourite place to go is the next one on the list!
Do you notice a change in your mental health after spending time outside?
There are two parts to this. Simply being outside is relaxing. But, of course, if you are making notes for a guidebook or observations for a site inspection, you don’t get to turn your brain off. Nevertheless, the semi-meditative state of walking in, looking at, listening to, and observing nature is cathartic.
It can be challenging to find time for outdoor activities. What advice do you have for someone to soak in the benefits of nature?
You must find time to rest. If you have children, you need to introduce them to nature early. Trying to drag a 12-year-old away from friends and video games to visit nature for the first time is unlikely to be successful.
Time is not the only precious commodity; money is another. Nature is expensive. Unlike in Europe, where a train ride will take you to a rural area, in Alberta you need a reliable car and money for gas.
Nevertheless, how can the public understand the value of a natural area if they have never visited one?
Preparation and safety are also key. I never leave home without an emergency kit. If I have to spend a night outdoors for some reason, it is critical that I can make a fire and have some fluids and snacks and that someone knows where I went and when I am due back. If this is something you are not comfortable with, then start out at tamer locations. Join hiking and nature clubs to gain experience, and make sure someone knows where you are.
Any parting thoughts?
When I was about 12 years old, I went winter camping with the Scouts, and my dad came along. Much to my horror, I discovered I had forgotten my sleeping bag. My dad gave up his and stayed up all night. The two lessons learned from that experience are being a dad at a Scout camp is a risky affair and preparation is critical. Accountants are known to be detailed orientated, but this is critical if you cannot simply pop home for a forgotten item.
Beyond the forgotten gear, accountants also think in systems and standards, both of which are applicable to understanding natural areas. Ecological systems are more intricate than even the most complex supply chain. Nevertheless, training on the former can help with the latter. Finally, biologists and accountants both rely on standards. For example, the Linnaean taxonomic structure would give any accounting standard a run for its money in complexity. But both do the same thing: provide a systematic way to think about and value the subject at hand.
In other words, accountants are built to go outside!
Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, a walk in the park, or simply taking in a view of nature, we can all be inspired by Frank’s enthusiasm for the great outdoors and make regular exposure to green spaces a rewarding investment. You can check out Frank’s YEG Ville trail guide at yegville.ca.
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.