Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is a big community of volunteers, donors, staff, and supporters working to conserve the natural and working lands of the Kawarthas. It takes a community of passionate and dedicated people to protect the land we love.
Today we would like to introduce you to another one of our incredible volunteers — Barb Elliot.
Although Barb is a new KLT volunteer this year, she has been a long-standing fixture in Kawartha Lakes, where, among many other achievements, she taught at Fleming College as a Professor in the Ecosystem Management Program for nearly 30 years.
As many of her past students (including some KLT staff!) will tell you, it is impossible to be around Barb and not be taken with her energy, positivity, and passion for the natural world.
Lucky for us, after retiring in 2023, she decided to give some of her time and extensive experience to Kawartha Land Trust. After attending KLT’s Property Inventory Training in April, Barb joined the PIT Crew, helping to complete six property inventories this year.
Anyone who had the pleasure of volunteering on a property inventory with Barb knows the knowledge and fun she brings to the experience!
Hometown (where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Born in Woodstock, Ontario, and now live in Coboconk, Ontario
How long have you been a volunteer with Kawartha Land Trust and what types of roles have you had with KLT?
I started my volunteer role in May of 2024, so I am very new! So far, I have been involved with property inventories as part of the “PIT crew” — Property Inventory Team Crew.
What is your favorite part of your role at KLT?
Feeling like I am giving back to support an organization whose mission and vision so deeply aligns with my personal ethics and values, and also meeting and working with some amazing people — the work has restored my faith in the future of conservation.
Do you have a favorite moment on a KLT property or a specific spot on a KLT property that is special to you?
So far, I have enjoyed absolutely every moment that I have spent with fellow volunteers. Meeting landowners has been a highlight as well — they have all been so gracious and committed to doing the right thing for the planet.
If I had to pick one spot or moment, it would be the day our team found a woodland jumping mouse at a property this past spring. That was an incredible gift from nature.
Why does Kawartha Land Trust matter to you?
KLT matters to me because this organization is working so incredibly hard to conserve and protect the integrity and connectivity of our precious natural heritage in the Kawartha Lakes region. I applaud you and all the wonderful, committed staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly to achieve the goals of this organization.
To learn more about volunteering with Kawartha Land Trust, visit our volunteer page. You can also stay in touch and learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities and much more by signing up for our e-newsletter.
