Catherine Wisniowski
Environmental Science Professional
Ecosystem Management Technology Advanced Diploma - April 2015
Fleming College, Lindsay, Ontario
Attending Fleming College has allowed me to improve my practical field skills through school projects, involvement in volunteer opportunities and the student placement program.
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Professional Development
Student Placement Program: September 2014 - December 2014
Team Lead – Wilkinson Tract Baseline Documentation Report
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Project Components:
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Created a comprehensive Baseline Documentation Report to aid in future management of the Wilkinson Tract Property
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Conducted research using a variety of project appropriate techniques such as interviews, data collection, surveying, ArcGIS, satellite imagery, reviewing land trust/natural heritage site regulations and in-field identification of plant species, wildlife species, wildlife habitat, property structures, disturbances, threats, geology and soils.
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Invasive plant species and species at risk were marked and recorded using a GPS device
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ArcGIS software was used to generate maps for the property including a general vegetation type and boundary map. GPS points of marked invasive plant species and species at risk gathered during field visits were also used to create maps showing location and greatest density of each species.
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Student Placement Program: January 2015 - April 2015
Team Lead – Georgian Bay Water Festival Assistant Education Coordinator
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Developed water protection based lesson plans for elementary school students as to facilitate learning leading up to and following their participation at the annual ‘Georgian Bay Water Festival’
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In depth research of Ontario curriculum expectations for science and technology was conducted as to develop meaningful and valuable environmentally focused activities
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Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Training: October 2014
City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
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Conducted site identification using ArcGIS and aerial photo interpretation of the Fleetwood Creek sub-watershed
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Created site access and Health and Safety Plans
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Assessed channel morphology elements including point/transect sampling of substrate, bank profile, site slope, stream volume and discharge.
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Site boundaries were documented using a GPS device
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Identification of terrestrial and aquatic vegetation types and abundance
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Conducted benthic macroinvertebrate collection using the kick and sweep methods and in field preservation for later analysis
Volunteer Experience
Shoreline Restoration Assistant: October 2014
City of Toronto – Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Toronto, Ontario
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Participated in restoring the at-risk fresh water coastal sand dune ecosystem at Hanlan’s Point on Toronto Island by developing and carrying out shoreline planting techniques in key areas with other volunteers.
Restoration Technician: October 2014
Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna, Alderville, Ontario
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Identified native and sensitive ecosystems, participated in monitoring and restoration procedures, collected seeds