Alix Olson

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Klutsch is a forest entomologist who works on bark beetles. Prior to her work at the Canadian Forest Service, she identified factors that impact mountain pine beetle populations in lodgepole pine and jack pine ecosystems while working on her PhD and post-doc at University of Alberta. She has also done research on the impact of mountain pine beetle on fuels and fire hazard.

Her current research focuses on early detection of mountain pine beetle and understanding whether the community of insects and fungi in jack pine may allow mountain pine beetles to expand its current range.

Northern Forestry Centre

Mike's Bio

Mike Toffan knew early in life that he wanted a job that allowed him to work in nature. As the Founder and Executive Director of Project Forest, Mike secures land, creates planting plans and raises funds for Project Forest’s rewilding projects.

Connecting with people and communities is among the most impactful parts of his work through Project Forest. Mike values his opportunity to contribute to making a positive impact in people’s lives through building forests; this is a rare and extremely fulfilling part of his job. One of Mike’s biggest passions is to share the human impact stories of his work and inspire people to find their own way of making a positive impact in the world.

Project Forest

Britni's Bio

Britni attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. She worked as a silviculture summer student for Sundre Forest Products (West Fraser) for two summers as well as in the mill for a few months one winter.

Upon graduation, Britni started full time as a Silviculture Area Supervisor in Sundre and has been there ever since. As a silviculturist, Britni is responsible for all aspects of the reforestation after logging including site prescriptions, mechanical site prep, tree planting, vegetation management, surveys, and much more.

West Fraser

Philip's Bio

Philip Hoffman (he/him) is an arthropod biodiversity technician at the Northern Forestry Centre in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB), Treaty 6 Territory. He specializes in spider and beetle identification. He is passionate about sharing knowledge and being involved in research with the goal of preserving and protecting Mother Earth. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, biking, fishing and skateboarding.

Northern Forestry Centre