MEET THE TEAM
Gillian di Petta
Acting Natural Heritage Manager
Nursery Operations & Engagement Coordinator
Gillian is responsible for our Engagement work as well as the Mitigomin Native Plant Nursery, where she oversees day-to-day operations, propagation planning and seed work, and project coordination. With respect for ecological restoration and Indigenous-led land stewardship, Gillian is committed to supporting native plant conservation through hands-on nursery work and community collaboration. With an educational background in Ecosystem Management & Horticulture, her past experiences include Forest Resource Inventory, wetland biology, and vegetation monitoring, as well as K-12 educational programming. In 2017, Gillian joined the team at the Alderville Black Oak Savanna. She is currently Acting in the Natural Heritage Manager role. When she’s not enjoying her days on the prairie, Gillian enjoys gardening, music, and seeking out exciting new adventures.
Radek Odolczyk
Ecological Restoration & Stewardship Field Supervisor
Radek is our field operations lead. In this role he is responsible for overseeing the restoration work at the Alderville BOS site, and the Stream to Shore project. Radek also plays a lead role in the conservation of Species-at-Risk and other conservation-related projects. He has worked at the Alderville BOS for 12 years, with 12+ years of conservation work ranging from mangrove wetland restoration in Central America, to sustainable forest practices in the ancient Appalachian Mountains of New Brunswick. He has a Technologist Diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Trent University. He can’t imagine of a better way to spend the rest of his days than being out on the land planting trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses, restoring habitats, and making friends all along the way.
Payton Hill
Black Oak Savanna Assistant
Payton is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and is our Black Oak Savanna Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Trent University and an Ecosystem Management diploma from Fleming College. In her role, Payton supports restoration and conservation projects across the savanna and nursery, including native plant propagation, seed collection and processing, invasive species management, and site maintenance. She also assists with administrative tasks, community initiatives, and day-to-day operations that help keep projects running smoothly. With experience in greenhouse operations, pesticide application, and ecological restoration, Payton enjoys contributing to the protection and stewardship of Tallgrass Prairie and Black Oak Savanna ecosystems. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature, playing sports, and Gardening… of course!
Colin Emerson
Ecological Field Technologist
Colin's Bio is Coming Soon!
Ava Trefiak
Rights of Nature Co-Op Student
Ava is a member of Alderville First Nation and is our Rights of Nature Co-op Student. She is in her fourth year at the University of Guelph completeing her Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science + Practice, with a focus on Manoomin (wild rice). Ava is working on invasive species management, monitoring of Manoomin, Species at Risk conservation, and more! She has previous experience in the protection of common tern, painted and snapping turtles, and the maintenance of a native tree nursery. She has also facilitated community engagement with her guided hike "Wisdom of the Earth" which she developed and presented to groups. Ava enjoys beading, camping, and taking photos of insects. She is excited for the opportunity to give back to her community!