Growing up in the Rouge Valley area of Toronto, the importance of environmental preservation was a constant in my family’s way of life and activities, which included bird watching, hiking, camping and trips to nature reserves.
The expansive forest on the other side of our fence was so big that my parents got lost exploring with me as a baby in their arms! The forest was my playground; it was my favourite place. I spent hours climbing, exploring and just hanging out in the trees with a book.
In the early 1990s that forest was reduced to a small patch of trees, replaced by a sea of new houses. The loss of most of that forest completely changed the feeling of our neighbourhood, converting it from an area full of foxes, deer and the comforting sound of crickets to one of concrete and cars. A common story, I’m sure.
But this experience was only the first of many that would lead me to my chosen career path. Three years of summer employment with the Toronto Zoo let me explore my interest in domestic and exotic animal conservation. Five years in the veterinary field gave me the opportunity to develop my passion for animal welfare. And it was a volunteer opportunity with the Toronto Wildlife Centre, during which I treated and cared for orphaned and injured wildlife, that solidified my desire to work in urban conservation.
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew that I wanted to be a part of something meaningful, but I couldn’t figure out how to get there. A period of soul searching led me back to Toronto to pursue a master’s degree in Forest Conservation at the University of Toronto. The program showed me how to incorporate my passion for nature, environmental issues, and wildlife conservation - all in the city that I love! I learned how to combine my love for greenspace with my dedication to wildlife - a healthy urban forest provides much-needed habitat for our city’s co-inhabitants!
So that’s how I got to LEAF. When I’m not working I sing in Choir! Choir! Choir!, go to concerts and hang out with my partner and our four rescues: two pups and two cats. I also volunteer for the Toronto Humane Society, Toronto and Region Conservation and the Toronto District School Board’s EcoSchools program. It’s definitely a busy life, but it’s fulfilling!
I can’t wait to meet more of you in the urban forest community as I explore new opportunities to make our city a greener place with LEAF!
Lisa Moore is the Residential Planting Programs Assistant. She is currently studying to become a certified arborist and loves hiking in the forest with her pups.