Calgary is a long way away from the isolated northern mountain district of Chitral, Pakistan, where Syed Nazir Khan first discovered his love for the outdoors, his passion for environmental conservation and his commitment to mobilizing communities towards better futures. Today, Syed Nazir and his family reside in Calgary, where he has become the City of Calgary’s Parks Volunteer Ranger Program’s most active volunteer.
Syed Nazir’s commitment to volunteerism began with his involvement with the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1992, he worked for the Aga Khan Rural Support Program Chitral Pakistan for over 10 years where he developed environmental stewardship programs and worked with communities to re-forest the land and manage its growth.
His role eventually changed to a community mobilizer, working with isolated villages to establish community schools. He recalls one trip to a remote village where he had to walk and travel by horseback for seven days, facing freezing rain, avalanches and other hazards, before reaching the community.
Moving to Canada did not affect Syed Nazir’s dedication to community. In the spring of 2007, Syed Nazir joined the Parks Volunteer Ranger Program because of his love for nature and his desire to do something positive for the environment. Like many volunteers, Syed Nazir found out about the Ranger program by visiting the City’s website. He liked the similarities between the program and his career as a Forest Ranger, where, among many duties, he conducted environmental education programs for students.
You can find Syed Nazir volunteering at Bowness Park where he often provides people with information about the park, public stewardship and related bylaws. He also encourages people to take care of the park by role-modeling proper park etiquette. One of his favourite places in the park is the Douglas Fir Preserve, where he occasionally walks to marvel at the 400 year old trees.
Syed Nazir explains that one of the best parts about volunteering with the Ranger program is meeting people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are also learning more about nature in Calgary. What has surprised him the most about the program is how people respond to the Ranger uniform; it seems to command attention that has had many benefits, such as people being more approachable and appreciative of the information he provides.
Syed Nazir’s passion for preserving nature and contributing to community knows no boundaries, neither in Pakistan nor Calgary. He comments “when you live for others and sacrifice for children and community then you can be satisfied with the reality of life.” The Parks Volunteer Ranger Program, Bowness Park and the many visitors who have had the pleasure of meeting Syed Nazir have all benefited from his philosophy and commitment to our community.
Ismailimail 
I know this man. He is very nice to everyone.
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