Board Members & Staff
Calder Schweitzer
Calder began working for TIWLT in 2019 as a Field Biologist, and has now moved into the position of Executive Director. He holds a B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph, which he attended as a McCall MacBain Loran Scholar. Calder has formerly volunteered for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and Western Australia's Department of Conservation, Biodiversity, and Attractions.
Email: calder@tiwlt.ca
Maggie Stevenson
Maggie worked for TIWLT as a summer Wildlife Biologist in 2021 and returned in 2022, being hired on as the Property Manager. She graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming College with a Fish & Wildlife Technician Advanced Diploma. Maggie has previously worked for other environmental organizations including Ontario Parks, MNRF, and Nature Conservancy of Canada. She enjoys spending time in nature and has a particular interest in plant identification.
Don Ross
Don has a Biology Degree from Western University and started his career as Chief Park Naturalist at Point Pelee National Park. When he moved to the Thousand Islands he found home. He was partner in Dave Jones Sports and Executive Director of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. He is a founding member of TIWLT, helped write the nomination papers for the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere and with Dave Warner, facilitated the transfer of properties to the National Park.
Email: don@tiwlt.ca
Ed Lowans
Ed led sustainable planning and design teams in North America, South America and Asia. He represented Canada working on LEED® and historic projects. He is an inventor, author and speaker. Ed is an adjunct professor of sustainable planning, design, architecture, health and building science. When not saving the environment he is enjoying the youngest and the oldest members of the clan. Ed spent his 70 summers on The River with antique boats.
John Ambrose
John has a Master’s degree (forest management) from MacDonald College (McGill University). His career in environmental and resource management has taken him on assignments to 35 countries throughout Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe with CIDA, the World Bank and the private sector.
Marnie Ross
Marnie was a Reading Recovery teacher and since retiring has found her passion in preserving nature and helping others achieve their conservation dreams. Helping others create a legacy is the most rewarding work. Marnie and Don were the recipients of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance Vision Award in 2010.
Email: marnie@tiwlt.ca
Anne Henderson
Anne is a bilingual documentary filmmaker and writer with over thirty years of experience making international documentaries for television. She has traveled extensively and worked with people from cultures and languages different from her own. Anne is currently writing a book about the first Tibetan refugees accepted into Canada. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the mission and values embodied at the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust.
Dave Warner
Dave was Park Superintendent of St. Lawrence Islands National Park. He is a founding member of the Canadian Thousand Islands Heritage Conservancy, which later became TIWLT. He helped write the nomination papers for the Frontenac Arch Biosphere and continues to work diligently to help TIWLT and his neighbours.
Vicki Leakey
Vicki joined the board in Spring 2020 and lives adjacent to one of the Trust properties on Deer Ridge Drive. Vicki brings over 30 years experience in accounting and financial reporting for various public sector organizations. As a CGA, CPA she brings her professional experience to many community organizations while serving as a volunteer in TLTI and the Town of Gananoque.
Shaun Thompson
Shaun is a retired MNR Biologist and author of protocols for Species at Risk. Shaun continues making Ontario nature thrive in his volunteering work with numerous groups. He is a tireless volunteer for TIWLT.
Robert Burtch
Robert recently retired from a 30 year elementary teaching career. He has a passion for all things outdoorsy including gardening, hiking, kayaking, swimming and birding. His love of the natural world as well as local history makes his involvement with TIWLT a perfect fit. He is looking forward to being able to share his love of nature and history with the wider community.
Dave Paul
Dave brings TIWLT learnings from a grateful career in economic development with both the Province and his hometown Brockville. The experience with investment attraction, securing project financing and fostering business relationships to shepherd growth and prosperity represent the activities of his discipline.
Dave's present commitment is grounded in environmental stewardship and advocacy for the mission of this great watershed.
