I’ve always had an interest in the urban forest. Growing up, I enjoyed nature hikes with my Girl Guides, camping with my family, and eating fresh vegetables from my Mom’s backyard garden. As a young girl, I even saved up and bought a cherry tree to add some colour to my backyard - not your typical child’s purchase.
This interest in local, sustainable food led me to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Carleton University. Throughout the program I focused on human geography, learning not only how we impact the environment, but also how our use and abuse of it has a direct impact on our own health.
Ottawa was a great place to study environmental issues. As a government city, it presented plenty of opportunities to discuss environmental politics and changes in environmental laws. Whether I was learning about plant species in the Arboretum or attending the numerous conferences and exhibitions organized by environmental organizations, I was surrounded by eager young minds who appreciated the concept of living local.
Farmer’s markets and annual events such as Veg Fest provide residents with locally grown food and connect people to local businesses. In the summer cyclists enjoy the bike paths along the Rideau Canal and in the winter commuters skate to work on the world’s longest skating rink right in the heart of the city.
Following my graduation, I packed my bags and headed west. Banff, Alberta called my name and I lived in this popular tourist town for about ten months. Here I was able to share my interest in sustainable tourism with locals and visitors alike, expressing the benefits of ongoing efforts to protect and conserve the space we live in.
Whether snowboarding at the many nearby ski resorts or hiking through mountain trails, my experience in Banff brought me to the realization that our actions have a direct impact on the abundance of wildlife that call this area home. Their health and wellness is affected by both our care and neglect. The only way we can continue to reap the benefits that nature offers is if we strive to conserve and build what we have.
A desire to be a part of something bigger and an interest in developing some practical skills led me Toronto, where I registered in a post-graduate program in Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Centennial College. This program gave me the skills to effectively communicate my interests and concerns to an audience, to get them to listen, and to encourage them to take action.
It was my interest in celebrating the urban forest and sharing the benefits of environmental involvement that brought me here to my current role as the Marketing and Communications Intern at LEAF. I am eager to gain a better understanding of how the urban forest affects Torontonians, and the many benefits that a nurtured ecosystem offers. I’m also looking forward to getting to know you! I hope to share my knowledge, passion and the ways we can all live locally and thrive in a healthy, green city.