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SERS faculty and students gravitate naturally to work that involves collaborating with other people on real-world problems. When I needed someone to help me with a research study that involved working with my partners at Conservation Halton and engaging community members, I was very fortunate to be able to hire SERS alumna Beth Grant (BES 2021 and MES 2024) as a Research Associate.

Together with Kristin O’Connor, Conservation Halton’s Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan Coordinator, Beth and I developed a study that engaged 19 community members in a photo elicitation exercise focusing on Hamilton Harbour. The participants each made two photographs that captured their connections to the harbour, and supplied supporting text. Through interviews and focus groups, study participants reconnected with the harbour, reflected on and explored their emotional attachment to place, and increased awareness about ongoing remediation efforts.

Data collection for the project ended officially with the focus groups and interviews. However, we saw an opportunity to do something special for our study participants. The Hamilton Farmer’s Market provided a wonderful street-facing space in its building, where we hosted a well-attended exhibition of the photography and writing of the study participants on Saturday, May 24^th, 2025.

This study offers a practical, low-cost engagement method that water managers and environmental practitioners can adapt to strengthen community connection and support for local conservation initiatives.

Soon after her our project ended, Beth secured a position as Project Coordinator with the Region of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Waste Management team.