Since childhood I have had a deep respect for and a keen interest in the natural environment. I make it a point to learn the individual characteristics of the place I call home, always learning from naturalists and other local knowledge keepers. Conservation of natural ecosystem functions is critical to mitigating the collective challenges we face as a growing global population. Working with the team at Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy to create nature preserves is a very rewarding position for me. I take pride in knowing that I am contributing to the legacy of protected spaces in Ontario and creating a greater capacity to foster deeper connections between people and places.