Guided by Nature: How One Student is Turning Passion into Conservation Leadership

Read how this Lethbridge Polytechnic student is transforming his lifelong love for the outdoors into a career protecting Alberta’s wildlife, with support from the APOS Careers in Conservation Scholarship.

For Ben Van Langen, the wilderness isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the foundation of who he is. Born in Whitehorse, Yukon, and raised in Central Alberta, Ben’s earliest memories are filled with towering trees, roaming wildlife, and quiet lessons from his father, a dedicated hunter. “Growing up in Whitehorse, I was introduced early to the raw beauty of the wilderness,” Ben reflects. “Alberta’s landscape taught me to appreciate the outdoors and feel a deep sense of peace and freedom.”

Now entering his second year of the Natural Resource Compliance program at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Ben is channeling that lifelong connection into a career rooted in conservation. His goal: to become a fish and wildlife officer, and eventually a wildlife technician, helping manage Alberta’s natural resources for generations to come.

Ben’s story is one of passion, purpose, and a deep respect for the land, values that resonate strongly with the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), which awarded him a Careers in Conservation Scholarship. The scholarship supports students who study Conservation, Environmental Studies, Wildlife, Wildlife Enforcement, or similar programs, but who also understand the vital role hunters and outfitters play in conservation.

“Hunting, when done respectfully and ethically, isn’t just about taking an animal’s life,” Ben explains. “It’s about connecting with the land, providing for others, and honouring a tradition that stretches back generations.” His father’s mantra, “never take more from the land than we need”, still guides him today.

Ben is passionate about correcting misconceptions around hunting and conservation. “Many people misunderstand hunting's role in conservation, thinking of it purely as a destructive activity,” he says. “What I wish more Albertans knew is that hunters and outfitters play a vital role in preserving wildlife and habitats. Hunting, when regulated and done ethically, helps manage animal populations, preventing overpopulation and habitat destruction.”

Ben views his work as part of a much larger movement, one in which conservation officers, hunters, outfitters, and communities collaborate to protect Alberta’s wild spaces. He believes that partnerships between conservation officers and outfitters are key to the future of wildlife management. “By collaborating on habitat monitoring, enforcing regulations, and educating hunters, both groups can help manage wildlife populations and ensure successful long-term conservation.”

With his diploma in sight and plans to pursue a degree in Ecosystem Management, Ben is preparing to take on the challenges of conservation head-on. “My goal is to educate the public on how we can all contribute to effective game management and protect our natural resources,” Ben says. “I hope to leave a positive legacy in Alberta’s conservation efforts as a future Fish and Wildlife Officer. APOS has played an important role in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for receiving this scholarship. It will be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and contribute to the future of wildlife management in Alberta.”

Are you like Ben and are pursuing your dreams in protecting Alberta’s wild resources? Apply for the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society’s Careers in Conservation Scholarship!