The Land Between Charity would truly not exist without the hard work of its COO, year round staff, summer technicians, and of course, its Council. We are further grateful to our volunteers, operating both within and outside the bioregion, that help us carry out our mission of finding balanced solutions across divides!
Leadership
Leora Berman
Founder & COO, "The Carver"
Leora has set the strategic direction of the charity with the support of her council since its inauguration. Leora designs meanigful programs and solutions, cultivates partnerships, leverages interest, and supervises staff. She has a diverse and impressive background in Wildlife Research, Soil and Water Technology, Economics, and also in Fine Arts. She began in the "trenches", with years of conducting hydrogeological, hydrological and wetland assessments.
Peter Alley
Founding Father, "The Rock"
Peter was the "forefather" of The Land Between effort; to ensure the region's ecological function was fully understood and celebrated. Peter dedicated the last ten years of his life to making sure that The Land Between region would be recognized and valued, receiving the attention it deserved within the conservation sector.
Curve Lake First Nation
"I feel it most necessary to recognize this Nation and my friends there as co-founders in this initiative. Until 2019 I had referred to my role as co-founder rather than founder because while Peter Alley laid the groundwork, it was the invaluable contribution of First Nations that imbued the charity with much more meaning and direction. It was only due to the assertions of the First Nation members of the charity that I have taken the title as charity founder. Because, if it were not for their openness, support, and willingness to trust me, The Land Between organization would not have the heart and strength that it does today. I feel humbled by this friendship and the kinship that has emerged. I feel humbled by it all. Miigwetch." - Leora
Senior Staff
Grace Wiley
Head of Education for Turtle Guardians & Field Research Coordinator
Grace is a graduate of Trent University and has had a strong interest in herpetology for many years. Grace has worked in field research under mentorship and guidance of esteemed colleagues such as Scott Gillingwater. She has also worked with the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. A natural educator, Grace designs and runs all aspects of the Turtle Guardians education program.
Kate Dickson
Project Manager- Special projects and Muskoka Area
Haley Grieve
Senior Biologist
Haley is a recent honours graduate from Trent University’s Conservation Biology program. She has collaborated with organizations such as the MNRF and Birds Canada on research projects aimed at conserving a diverse array of Canadian species, including birds, plants, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. From a young age, Haley has been captivated by the rich biodiversity of Ontario. She is dedicated to preserving Ontario’s wildlife, ensuring that future generations of young Canadians can be inspired by the same natural wonders that have always fascinated her.
Melissa Saker
Husbandry Technician and Education Specialist
Carlee Clark Wade
Husbandry Technician and Community Outreach
Ben Kemp
GIS Specialist
Ben is a GIS specialist who uses a mapping and data-driven approach to further our understanding of The Land Between bioregion. He focuses heavily on the Blue Lakes and Working Watersheds project, utilizing maps to illustrate the evolving nature and value of ecosystems across the landscape, emphasizing water, biodiversity, and cumulative human impacts. Ben holds a degree in Bioresource Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master's in Environmental Science at the University of Toronto.
Michaela Bouffard
Road Ecologist and Research Lead
Michaela has an impressive background; she has a distinguished honour in biology graduating Magna Cum Laude from Laurentian University, and as a protege under the Litzgus Lab. She has already completed an extensive research project related to Spotted Turtles. Michaela also sits on the Canadian Herpetological Society Council.
Council
The Land Between is fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals to representing the common good.
The Council are made up of individuals that reflect the "common person" from across the region, with equality among all board members. The Council provides a grassroots perspective and the invaluable benefit of the "lived-experience". The Council members are also cherished as autonomous and equal members, who are trustworthy and are respected for their integrity.
The Land Between honours the original Treaties of Canada and as such operates with 50% Indigenous peoples on our Council, and with one seat on Council that is delegated and not elected, to represent the Nation of the Traditional Territory in which we operate.
Keith Hodgson, Local Hunter, Forester, Community Knowledge Holder, Signatory
Tracey Taylor, Aanishinaabe kwe, Cultural Specialist, Treasurer
Peter Carruthers, Honorary Member for Heritage and Economic Sustainability
Marie Windover, Aggregate and construction business owner, conservation minded, settler histories, and local knowledge holder
Laurie Hockeday, Aanishinabe kwe, Delegate on behalf of Curve Lake First Nation
Incumbents: Kathleen Seymour, Business owner; Gary Williams, Indigenous Economic Development; Les Clark, Lake Health Steward; William Manary, Wildlife Biologist.
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