Leila Forysth, B.Sc., Ph.D.

Leila completed her B.Sc from Queen’s University, where she defended her undergraduate thesis in flowering phenology. She then went on to complete her PhD in community ecology from the University of Toronto. Through this work, Leila gained extensive experience conducting terrestrial plant surveys and testing for the impacts of climate change and habitat fragmentation on species diversity. 

Leila worked as a Planning Ecologist at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) where she provided technical ecological expertise on permit applications, conducted floral field surveys in various ecosystems, delineated wetland and dripline features, worked with internal and external partners to ensure compliance with Conservation Authorities policies and procedures, reviewed environmental reports (e.g., EIS) and restoration strategies, and commented on the Ministry’s Response Strategies for various Species at Risk. 

As an Ecologist with North-South Environmental Inc. (NSE), Leila applies her skills in flora and fauna identification, natural heritage peer review for various municipalities, and preparation and report writing, with an emphasis on understanding and application of natural heritage in Ontario.