Meet our Environmental Team!

LISA STATON, Forest Discovery Director: Lisa graduated from Niagara College with a General Arts and Sciences diploma followed by a Guelph University Environmental Conservation Certificate. She is a certified Interpretive Guide and Forest School Practitioner. She also has her High Five Certification; Ecological Land Classification Certification; Museum Exhibit Certification as well as Wilderness Survival training. Lisa has been working in this field for over 10 years.

MELANIE STEWART, Forest Discovery Program Coordinator: Melanie graduated from Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelors of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and a Bachelors of Education. Recently, she received her Masters in Sustainable Development through the University of Sussex. She is passionate about outdoor experiential education and bringing the natural world to everyone.

LOUIS HARRIS, Environmental Education and Community Engagement: Louis is a member of the Six Nations with a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia with a Double Major in Zoology; Earth and Environmental Science with an interest in Herpetology and Igneous Rock Petrology. He is also a graduate of Niagara College’s Primary Care Paramedic Program and a certified paramedic. We are thankful for Louis’ leadership with Indigenous Education and Health and Safety Support.

Heartland Forest has seven active environmental projects.

1. Woodland Restoration – Ontario Power Generation Biodiversity Grant
2. Forest & Wetland Restoration, Exploration and Education – Niagara Community Foundation Environment Grant
3. EcoLeaders – McCall MacBain Foundation
4. Reptiles & Amphibians Citizen Science Programming – TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
5. Seasonal Forest Program – Bosch Community Fund
6. Invasive Species Centre – Buckthorn
7. Vernal Pool Monitoring – RBC Tech for Nature   
8. Biodiversity Corridor Enhancement – Ontario Community Environment Fund
9. Nature Exploration Area – Syensqo (formally Solvay)

Woodland Restoration – Ontario Power Generation Three-Year Biodiversity Grant

Project Overview:
RESTORATION PHASE 1: Invasive Species Removal and Planting Native Species
An Invasive species Assessment and multi-stage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan will be developed.
Phase 1 invasive species removal will begin and include removing buckthorn by contractor along the southern forest edge and encompassing the trail from the boardwalk to the wet meadow.
Plantings will include strengthening the forest buffer planting along Brown Road and replanting part of the presently mowed overflow parking to add a Medicinal Trees arboretum.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Heartland Forest will host citizen science projects and workshops including: invasive species removal and native planting workshops; oak wilt monitoring and training, indigenous workshop featuring the Medicinal Trees learning station, stewardship guide photography workshop.

Forest & Wetland Restoration, Exploration and Education – Niagara Community Foundation Environment Grant

Deliverables:

• PSW Natural Area Inventory and Sensitive Flora Mapping
• Restored Forest Buffer with new plantings
• Addition and repair of habitat for our Butterfly Way Stations
• Creation of a secure planting nursery
• Educational signage with accompanying program
• Water Quality Educational Exhibit – Nature Centre’s Discovery Atrium

Environment Grant Media Release

Heartland Forest EcoLeaders – McCall MacBain Foundation

(1) Heartland Eco-Leaders – recreational program focusing on environmental restoration, citizen science initiatives and outdoor recreational activities at Heartland Forest. Ages: 14 – 18. Regular bi-weekly sessions offered year-round; open in-take year-round; additional PD day, March Break and Summer Break workshops; and monthly CWF Wild Outside off-site seasonal community-focused projects. Complimentary resources provided by Ontario Nature and CWF Wild Outside.

(2) Heartland Event: Heartland Forest Youth Summit – Held during March break the Youth Summit will celebrate the program participants’ achievements over the past year. The Youth Summit will be teen-led and include local environmental/nature organizations for future opportunities for youth in the environmental community.

Reptiles & Amphibians Citizen Science Programming – TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant

Project Overview:
This project aims to: monitor reptiles and amphibians on our unique property to guide management decisions; improve habitat conditions; and educate for conservation purposes.

Deliverables:

• Frog and toad monitoring
• Salamander monitoring
• Invasive plant removal from our backyard ponds
• Native planting to create a natural aquatic and shoreline habitat
• Snake monitoring
• Turtle nesting area restoration
• Educational programming for schools, day camps and general public celebrating reptiles and amphibians and the forest community including indigenous teachings. Child-friendly activities including creating a toad house to promote stewardship, conservation and community engagement

Seasonal Forest Program – Bosch Community Fund

Project Overview:
Heartland Forest, in connection with the Bosch Niagara Community, is the recipient of a first-time grant. Our Seasonal Forest Program, designed for K-3rd grade students, will bring interactive, place-based educational experiences to approximately 4,200 young learners. Themes like native plantings, invasive species, modern human impacts, and species at risk will broaden their knowledge and instill a deep appreciation for nature. This initiative is a testament to the commitment that Heartland Forest is nurturing the environmental stewards of tomorrow.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/four-organizations-further-enrich-learning-communities-bosch-jiugc/

Invasive Species Centre – Buckthorn Community Engagement

Project Overview:
Thanks to an OPG Biodiversity Grant we have a multi-year Integrated Pest Management Plan that has been developed in collaboration with a licensed contractor. The OPG grant funding will go towards the contractor fees, whereas this grant will help fund the more community-based, collaborative side of the project.

Vernal Pool Monitoring – RBC Tech for Nature

Project Overview:
Technology will be used in this project to study and monitor eight (8) of Heartland Forest’s largest vernal pools. Past vernal pool mapping has allowed us to identify the most likely pools to be used by salamanders as breeding sites and it’s these pools we would like to monitor.

Biodiversity Corridor Enhancement – Ontario Community Environment Fund

Project Overview:
Planting along our biodiversity corridors including native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in partnership with CAA Niagara.

Nature Exploration Area – Syensqo (formally Solvay)

With this project we will create habitats and programming for two new Nature Exploration Area Learning Stations. The area is comprised of six learning stations – each with a theme.

1. Mammals of the Forest – Flying Squirrel Boxes & Bat Boxes
2. Pollinators – Native Bee & Bumble Bee Boxes
3. Spiders and Insects – Bug Hotel (May 19 th PD Day Project)
4. Wetland Eye Spy – Turtle Sunning Platforms & Mallard Boxes & Salamander Boards
5. Birds of Niagara – Bird Feeders & Owl Nesting Boxes
6. Burrowing Animals (muskrats, voles, chipmunks) – Build a Burrow that children can crawl through