Caleigh was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people, in Ottawa, Ontario. Her love for nature sprouted from a young age by spending winters cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park and spending summers snorkelling and fishing at the cottage. These quiet moments in nature instilled a curiosity and passion for the natural world. This led her to earn degrees in Environmental Science (BSc) and Biology (MSc) at Carleton University. She now works at Parks Canada as a Marine Conservation Advisor.
As an enthusiastic traveller, she spent six months abroad at the University of the West Indies on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados, where her deep love for the ocean began! She is an avid surfer, stand-up paddle boarder and canoeist and loves any water sport!
As a strong believer in the importance of environmental education and stewardship, Caleigh has the desire to create meaningful opportunities for children to connect with nature. She is the founder and co-director of Wild Roots Nature and Forest School. She believes that when people make intimate and meaningful connections to nature at a young age, they will be more willing to fight for nature’s protection into adulthood. She feels so fortunate to be a member on the IMPAC5 Young Professionals Committee!
