The Forest Conference Agenda

Evening Social - Sponsored by TELUS Environmental Solutions
Join us for an evening of fun, food, and networking! We are pleased to present our Awards Ceremony from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. We encourage you to come hungry!

Conference Opening and Welcome

Speakers:

• Jess Kaknevicius - Chief Executive Officer, Forests Canada
• Gary Pritchard - Founder, 4 Directions Conservation

The Stories Behind the Seedlings
Tree planting is one of the most challenging and rewarding environmental jobs out there. What’s it really like to be a tree planter today?

How has the role evolved, and what are the main challenges facing the industry? Join this session to hear firsthand stories and insights from professionals who know the highs, lows, and transformative power of reforestation work. 

Speakers:

• Sarah Ambroziak (MOD) - Director, Community Initiatives, Dexterra Group
• Maria Hernandez - Nature-Based Solutions Project Coordinator, Community Forests International
• Ron Laverdiere - Director of Operations, TELUS Environmental Solutions Inc.
• Laura Murray - Owner/President, Tamarack Reforestation

BREAK

Connecting the Dots: Using Technology to Shape Landscape Conservation
In an increasingly data-driven world, technology is transforming how we understand, manage, and restore our landscapes.  

This session explores how cutting-edge tools are helping conservation professionals connect the dots between ecosystems, landowners, and communities. 

Speakers:

• Erin Flood (MOD) - Chief Operating Officer, Canada's Forest Trust Corp.
• Will Martin - Executive Vice President Business Innovation, American Forest Foundation
• Joe Rakofsky - Spatial Analyst, Forsite
• Jacey Hall - Terrestrial Project Coordinator, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

SPOTLIGHT: FireSmart™ Practices
FireSmart™ Canada is a national program that helps Canadians increase neighborhood resilience to wildfire and minimize its negative impacts. With a changing climate, the threat of wildfire has increased significantly for everyone, including those living outside of the wildland-urban interface. We all have a part to play in preventing wildfires and reducing risk. FireSmart™ Canada has developed practical, effective, and science-based programs that provide you with tools to be better prepared when wildfire occurs.

Speaker:

• Lisa Walker R.P.F. - Director, Resiliency & Partnerships, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre

LUNCH

Awards Recap & Forests Canada Award Presentation
Join us in recognizing this year’s recipients who have exemplified a commitment to supporting efforts to conserve, restore, and grow Canada’s forests.  

Let’s celebrate these visionaries who are driving progress and connecting the dots for a sustainable future. 

Forest History Armchair Chat – Celebrating 10 years of Women in Wood
Enjoy this engaging and insightful conversation as we celebrate two Women in Wood and discuss their journey and experiences working in our forests.

Speakers:

• James Farrell (MOD) - Forest History Ontario Chair
• Caroline Mach R.P.F. - (Retired) County Forest Manager, Dufferin County
• Lacey Rose R.P.F. - County Forester, County of Renfrew

Building Bridges: Indigenous-Led Strategies for Economic and Environmental Resilience
Indigenous communities are at the forefront of innovative forest stewardship and management, developing strategies that honour both economic growth and environmental sustainability. This session will explore how businesses can align with and support Indigenous-led efforts to build economic resilience at the local level. 

Speakers:

• Jacob Handel (MOD) - Director of Forest Carbon Origination, Finite Carbon
• Percy Guichon R.F.T. - Executive Director, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd.
• Carole Smith - Administrative Team Lead Grand River Employment and Training Inc. dba Kayanase
• Jana Kotaska - Executive Director, Mother Tree Network

BREAK

Prioritizing Restoration - What We’ve Done and Where We Need to Go
As the need for healthy ecosystems becomes more urgent, restoration work is playing a crucial role in shaping resilient landscapes for future generations.   

This session will highlight both the successes and the path forward for forest restoration efforts across Canada leveraging new research.  

Speakers:

• Elizabeth Jarrett (MOD) - Chief Operating Officer, Forests Canada
• Ronnie Drever - Senior Conservation Scientist, Nature United

The Business of Nature
As business leaders increasingly recognize the value of nature, integrating biodiversity and forest stewardship into economic decision-making is more important than ever.  

This session explores how businesses can play a key role in investing in forest sustainability and restoration. 

Speakers:

• Daniel Kraus (MOD) - Researcher & Consultant, University of Waterloo
• Kathryn Bakos - Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Ontario Biodiversity Council Chair
• Paige Olmsted - Conservation Finance Specialist, Nature Investment Hub | Smart Prosperity Institute

Conference Closing and Thank You