Faces of Forests Ontario: Jon Curtis

Favourite Tree: Eastern White Pine 

Favourite Animal: Black Bear 

Join us in welcoming Jon Curtis, one of two new Planting and Habitat Quality Assessors! In this role, Jon is responsible for visiting various 50 Million Tree Program planting sites to assess and record their health and quality. Jon will also be in communication with landowners to schedule appointments and discuss tree care.  

Jon grew up in Wasaga Beach and was heavily influenced by the surrounding biodiversity. He pursued a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, specializing in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Indigenous Studies. Since then, Jon has applied his environmental passion to numerous employment opportunities including working with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and a field session on tick research with Laurentian University. 

As a result of spending considerable time exploring Ontario’s forests, especially Algonquin Park, Jon observed a decreasing number of Ontario’s natural species as a result of habitat destruction. When Forests Ontario was searching for Planting and Habitat Quality Assessors, he couldn’t turn down the amazing opportunity to firsthand witness the establishment of new forests! Now, Jon can combine his passion for wildlife conservation with Forests Ontario’s own mission of tree planting and ecological restoration to help create a healthier province. 

When Jon isn’t exercising his passion for ecology, you can find him running marathons, playing hockey, watching movies or jamming out to music.