As a landscape architect, founder of Canadian Wild Schools and most recently co-founder of Vildhus (which offers transformative wellness retreats in nature), the Niagara Escarpment has been an integral part of my life and professional journey. From my early years, this majestic geological formation played a foundational role in my development, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonder of nature and a love for outdoor adventure pursuits. Now, as an ECA Community Ambassador and a proud board member of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network (NEBN) board, I am committed to preserving and promoting the ecological significance of this natural treasure. www.nebnetwork.org
In the face of rampant urban sprawl in this Province, the Niagara Escarpment stands as a vital ecological sanctuary. My background as a landscape architect has heightened my understanding of its crucial role in the province’s ecological balance. The escarpment serves as a refuge for countless plant and animal species, acting as a linchpin in maintaining biodiversity amidst the challenges of urbanization.
Founding Canadian Wild Schools allowed me to witness firsthand the profound transformative potential of nature in children’s education. The results that we’re witnessing are truly mind blowing! The Niagara Escarpment, with its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes, provides an unparalleled outdoor classroom for our youth. We’re discovering that not only does it enrich their education considerably but also contributes to their holistic development, truly on a molecular level, while fostering a lifelong connection with the environment and themselves.
Being part of the NEBN board represents a chance to help bring together a myriad of voices, with a special focus on elevating the historically underrepresented indigenous perspective. Indigenous communities possess an inherent bond with the land, and their invaluable wisdom and perspective is essential in guiding our conservation efforts while also inspiring us to lead lives more interconnected with nature. The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network serves as a vital platform to see that these voices are not only acknowledged but also championed, advocating for the pivotal significance of safeguarding our natural landscapes and wild spaces from ongoing development, which is often incremental in nature. For instance the mega independent single family home developments occurring in the Beaver Valley.
My role as an ECA Community Ambassador and NEBN board member is driven by a deep-seated passion to protect the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a commitment to fostering ecological sustainability, providing quality and transformative education, and amplifying voices that have long been marginalized. Together, as stewards of this natural gem, we can ensure that the Niagara Escarpment continues to inspire and nurture generations to come.
