Tim Patterson

Michael's Bio

Michael leads a team that enables Cenovus’ upstream and downstream hydrocarbon business in Western Canada with up-front project approvals as well as after approval environmental monitoring and special issue support. Michael has an MSc. in Agroforestry (1999) as well as a BSc. in Forestry (1992) and is a Registered Professional Forester in Alberta.

Michael has 30 years of experience spanning the forest industry, applied science and consulting, as well as the energy industry in BC and Alberta. Michael pioneered the first forest habitat restoration trials in oilsands and led the establishment of the Cenovus Caribou Habitat Restoration Project, which is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive project of its kind in the world. Michael is a co-author on ~ 8 restoration-related publications, which support evidence-based continual improvement of restoration outcomes for carbon and caribou in the boreal.

Cenovus Energy

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

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

Dr.'s Bio

As the Professor & Chair of the Renewable Resources Department at the University of Alberta, Dr. Nadir Erbilgin earned his PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2001, followed by post-doctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, until 2007. After joining the University of Alberta as a Canada Research Chair, Nadir became a full professor in 2017. Nadir’s expertise in forest health, reflected in top-tier publications, conference invitations, Senate testimonies, and substantial funding, spans invasive biology and chemical ecology.

Over the years, Nadine has supervised numerous researchers and students, hosted international scholars, secured grants, and maintained an impactful publication record. Nadir’s service contributions extend to leadership roles, academic committees, and international peer review activities, while his teaching commitments have remained consistent over the past 15 years.

Renewable Resources - University of Alberta