Leadership

COO and Founder – Leora Berman, “The Carver”

Leora Berman has a diverse and impressive  background: She is a Strategic Project Manager, Soil and Water Technologist, has studied Economics, has diplomas in Fine Arts, and is a recognized leader in the social sector.  She began in the “trenches”, with years in conducting hydrogeological, hydrological and wetland assessments; then she  designed and delivered environmental remediation and restoration projects; and grew to developing and managing large-scale and multi-partnered projects across Ontario and for the International Joint Commission between Canada and the USA. Leora is the recipient of the 2019 Roland Michener Conservation Award from CWF, for exceptional work in wildlife research and conservation.

Download Leora’s biography: Leora. Bio

Peter Alley, “The Rock”

Peter Alley was a Forefather of The Land Between effort.  A retired business professor at York University, Peter dedicated the last 10 years of his life to making sure The Land Between region would be recognized and also valued. Peter’s formidable dedication not only ensured that the region received attention from the conservation sector, but his resolve that the region’s ecological function be fully understood, created a spirit of determination that is still animate in our work and initiative today. It was during the Ontario Living Legacy years, and as Peter had a summer cottage in Gravenhurst, that Peter began to sense that there existed a unique area situated between the Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands. With remarkable persistence and perseverance Peter spent years in researching and gathering information but too, in his fortitude, Peter also inspired a swell of support. Peter’s wife describes him during that time as a “dog at the bone”. In addition to collecting many champions, Peter persuaded two land trust leaders, Ron Reid of The Couchiching Conservancy and Ian Attridge of the Kawartha Land Trust to take on a project that would characterize the ecological features of this landscape. It was shortly after this time, in early 2006, that Peter passed. Leora Berman was hired only three months prior to his passing, “Peter was the rock. Without this foundation I could not have carved and crafted the initiative that we have today.”  Submitted by Leora Berman

Curve Lake First Nation

I feel it most necessary to recognize this Nation and my friends therein also as co-founders in this initiative. Until 2019 I had referred to my role as CoFounder rather than founder, because while Peter Alley laid the groundwork, it was the invaluable contribution of First Nations that was so potent as to to imbue the charity with much more meaning and direction. It was only for 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, charity, 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. Submitted by Leora Berman

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. 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 Council is responsible for the development of strategic directions and to ensure democratic and fair decisions are made by the organization.

The Land Between is a nationally registered charity where are bylaws ensure equality among all board members. There are no executive members and there are no committees of the Council. No Council members are paid for their roles. All are volunteer.

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.

2020 Council Members:

• Tracey Taylor, Aanishinabe kwe
• Peter Carruthers
• Gary Williams, Aanishinabe
• Sandy Agnew
• Keith Hodgson, Treasurer
• Sean Conway, Aanishinabe, Delegate on behalf of Curve Lake First Nation

Staff

Each year we hire talented young professionals to deliver dynamic programs. Stay tuned for the staff of summer 2020

Danielle Lachance, (Volunteer) is a graduate from Trent University’s MSc psychology program, specializing in environmental psychology. Her research focuses on the influence the natural environment has on nature relatedness, well-being, and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. For her master’s thesis, she studied the effects of nature immersion and outdoor education in different outdoor spaces (green versus blue space) on students’ mood and concern for the environment. Danielle is an academic assistant in the psychology department at Trent, a research assistant in Dr. Lisa Nisbet’s Nature Relatedness lab, and a researcher for Land Between Charity.

MaryJane Proulx, Volunteer in communications and First Nation portfolio. Mary Jane  is an Anishinaabeg/Scottish woman who’s work with The Land Between focuses on the incorporation of First Nations history and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in multiple projects across the landscape. Throughout her academic career at Trent University and Fleming College, MaryJane has been working to promote and support Indigenous perspectives as a researcher, writer and historian. She holds a Bachelor with Honours in History and Environmental Resource Studies, as well as a diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology. MaryJane has worked as an Artisan Interpreter and Tour Guide at the Canoe Museum for the past 3 years, carving paddles and teaching visitors about Indigenous-settler histories through the story of the canoe. She has also volunteered with Peterborough Green Up and the Rice Lake Plains Joint Initiative doing ecological work. MaryJane’s ultimate goal in both her personal and academic career is to bridge cultures through ecological problem solving and story-telling.