Aaron Pinfold, KLT’s Conservation Data & GIS Technician, is helping KLT turn complex data and information into tools we can use to guide our conservation strategies. This data creates a story that drives the positive action KLT takes on the land through its various projects.
GIS work is often an unsung hero of conservation — it’s done at the office, behind the scenes, and takes a considerable time and effort to do. But GIS is a powerful tool that helps us see and understand the land in new ways. By mapping habitats, wildlife corridors, and natural features, GIS guides our conservation efforts so we can protect the places you love. It allows us to make thoughtful, informed decisions that ensure the long-term health of the Kawarthas’ natural landscapes.
Aaron Pinfold joined the KLT team last spring, stepping into the role of Conservation Data & GIS Technician. He talks about his experience with KLT and explains how powerful data and storytelling can be in driving conservation — transforming complex information into meaningful insights that inspire action and deepen our connection to the land.
Notes from the Field (and Office)
This summer has been an incredibly rewarding and eventful one. I joined Kawartha Land Trust because I resonate with the organization’s mission to preserve land for future generations and to gain experience through my co-op in the GIS program at Fanshawe College. I do spend most of my time in the office, but it’s working on building maps and writing about conservation, so there’s not a moment where I’m not invested in the work that I’m doing.
A large part of my time has been spent creating stewardship guides — informational booklets we provide landowners, like KLT’s Partners in Conservation members, to help them better understand what’s on their land and how they can protect and care for it. I analyze satellite or aerial imagery of a property to identify habitats, using various map layers to gain a more accurate picture of the land including forest, wetland, and waterbody layers.
Once I have an initial map, a volunteer Property Inventory Team (PIT) crew goes out to the property to record data on different species of plants and animals, signs of species-at-risk, and any interesting geographical features they find.
I’ve been lucky to join the PIT crew a few times, and I’m always amazed by their knowledge of the natural world. Afterwards, I compile the data that was collected, sometimes refining habitat perimeters using GPS equipment in the field, and piece together an ecological narrative. This ecological narrative describes the environmental processes at play directly on the land and the role the flora and fauna play within the broader landscape.
I’ve learned a lot about the Kawarthas while writing these stewardship guides. We include some fascinating maps, like one that shows the carbon stored on the property, another displaying areas where species-at-risk could find suitable habitat, and even one that compares the landscape in 1953 to how it looks today.
Another fun map project that I’m currently working on is making maps for each of the nine municipalities that are within KLT’s catchment. These maps showcase KLT’s protected properties and public access trails, along with other protected lands in the region, to illustrate the growing network of conserved spaces and the collective impact we’re making.
As part of this project, I’ve also updated our public access trail maps to reflect recent changes — whether it’s new additions, closures, or other important notes. These updated maps are available on KLT’s website, posted at trailheads, and placed along the trails to ensure community members have accurate, up-to-date information while enjoying the land.
Outside of creating maps for stewardship guides, I’ve had the chance to work on a variety of other mapping projects. One project that stands out was creating a map to address the spread of invasive Phragmites.
Vehicles are a major pathway for phragmites to invade roadside wetlands, often carrying seeds or plant fragments from one area to another. I had to analyze layers for roads, wetlands, and Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW), then use analytic tools to calculate how many roads intersected or came near these wetlands, which could help us prioritize areas for protection.
Favourite Moment
In addition to office work, I’ve spent time in the field for invasive species removal, determining boundaries for Conservation Easement Agreements (CEA), using high-accuracy GPS equipment, and observing species-at-risk, which has been a nice balance to the tech-heavy tasks.
The highlight of my summer was when I went canoeing with a colleague to conduct a species at risk survey. Paddling past towering trees, bare granite islands, and sitting in silence to watch loons dive and resurface just a few metres away was a wonderful experience. We even piqued the curiosity of a mink that was scurrying in and out of a log on the shore.
As much as I’ve enjoyed the technical side of things, the field moments like these are what really stay with me. It feels incredible to know my efforts are contributing to something so meaningful — preserving these lands for generations to come.
Why Conservation Matters to Me
Conservation has always been important to me. I grew up exploring the Niagara Escarpment and always had a deep love for the outdoors. With heroes like Steve Irwin inspiring me, the idea of protecting the land and its wildlife has been ingrained since childhood.
Over the last few years, I’ve dedicated my education to studying the natural world and the tools needed for conservation — first through the Fish and Wildlife program at Fleming College and now through the GIS program at Fanshawe College.
I’m a firm believer that people won’t protect what they don’t understand or connect with. That’s why GIS is such a powerful tool — it turns complex data into accessible, visual stories. A well-designed map can capture people’s attention and help them feel a deeper connection to the land they live on. Involving landowners and creating a sense of community around conservation efforts is crucial to making it work. Through GIS, we can bring these stories to life and help others see the value in preserving the landscapes we love.
We’re extremely grateful to Aaron for his contributions to KLT’s data, mapping, and stewardship of our protected lands. Thank you, Aaron!
Aaron’s position was made possible through funding provided by Ampere, the Department of Natural Resources, Canada Summer Jobs, and the Trans Canada Trail Youth Employment Program. We extend our thanks to these organizations for supporting land care initiatives and trail maintenance for our community trails.
Photo: Aaron Pinfold working on the redesign of KLT’s Ballyduff Trails map at the office (Isa Prophet/KLT)
