Janice Rider of Calgary, Alberta, has been immersed in the world of invertebrates for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Calgary, Janice grew up exploring the beautiful nature of the nearby Rocky Mountains. Some of her earliest and most meaningful encounters with invertebrates happened right at home.
“My mom spent a lot of time in our yard, and as a young child, I was outside with her,” Janice recalls. “I was fascinated by all the invertebrates I found around me.” In a garden rich with earthworms, ants, spiders and bees, she was especially drawn to harvesters, also known as daddy long legs, which she handled with the curiosity that sparked a lifelong interest in arachnids.
Janice’s passion for the natural world led her to study zoology at the University of Calgary, along with a minor in English literature, before completing a degree in education. During her studies, she gained hands-on experience working in animal care and education at the Calgary Zoo and even participated in a program focused on breeding endangered species with the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.
Today, Janice brings together science, storytelling, and education in a unique and creative career. She writes short stories, including "Marvin’s Millipede" in the anthology "Beware of the Bugs", and plays for children and youth, such as "The Ultimate Fly Guy". Through her writing and her long running Chameleon Drama Club, which she has directed for more than 21 years, Janice uses storytelling to spark curiosity and shift perceptions about often overlooked creatures. Her play "The Ultimate Fly Guy", inspired by Janice’s fascination with flies as pollinators, invites audiences to see these misunderstood insects in a new light.
Janice believes deeply in the importance of invertebrate conservation. “All living things are in relationship with one another all the time,” she says. Invertebrates play essential roles as pollinators, decomposers, predators, and more, supporting the health of ecosystems everywhere. At the same, she emphasizes how accessible and engaging these animals can be. “Anyone can become an invertebrate observer,” she notes. “They’re everywhere.”
In her own Calgary garden, Janice has created a haven for invertebrates, planting a wide variety of pollinator friendly species such as bee balm, yarrow, ninebark, fireweed, and evening primrose. Through her outreach, Janice encourages others to take simple, meaningful steps to support invertebrates, from planting native species and avoiding pesticides, to leaving fallen leaves and creating small habitats with brush piles. Conservation can start anywhere, even on a small porch.
Whether she is writing, teaching, or observing the tiny creatures around her, Janice’s message is clear. Invertebrates are not only essential, they are fascinating characters in our everyday lives and in the stories she has created to celebrate them. Thank you Janice for all the creative ways you’ve raised awareness and taught that anyone can learn to appreciate and protect the little creatures that make our world a better place.
