April DeJong (Team Lead)
Hello all, my name is April. This is my third field season with the OTCC and I am very excited to get back out there! I have my B.Sc. in Biology from Trent University and have graduated from the Fish and Wildlife Technology program at Fleming College. My favourite part about working for the OTCC is being surrounded by turtles all the time, big or small, these little creatures are very important to the ecosystems they live within. I am proud to say that I am a part of helping to conserve these special critters!
April’s favourite Ontario turtles species is: Eastern Musk Turtle
Marc Whipp (Field Technician)
Hello, my name is Marc. I have a B.Sc. with a major in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph. Currently, I am completing a Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma at Sir Sanford Fleming College. I volunteered for the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre as a tank cleaner back in 2015 before I went off to University. Through this experience I was able to witness first-hand how resilient and amazing our native turtle species are. Growing up, I was always fascinated with wildlife and spent a lot of time exploring the outdoors. The importance for conservation was instilled in me at a young age. I look forward to working as a Field Technician for the OTCC to contribute to the research and conservation of Ontario’s native turtle species. I have always admired the work done by the OTCC and am excited to be a part of this field team!
Marc’s favourite Ontario turtle species is: Common Snapping Turtle
Matt Levac (Field Technician)
My name is Matthew Levac, and I am an Indigenous youth from Sturgeon Falls Ontario, who is now living in Peterborough. I have a strong passion for conservation and have taken part in a handful of Species at Risk projects, all over the province, and even Nova Scotia. Most of my fieldwork experience involves Blanding’s turtles, so them being my favourite might be a little biased. On top of my conservation work, for the last 4 years, I have been working closely with traditional knowledge holders, learning all aspects of Anishinaabeg lifeways in regards to flora and fauna. I have helped to organize and lead programs for Trent University, Fleming College, Humber College, Kawartha Land Trust and APTN.
Matt’s favourite Ontario turtle species is: Blanding’s Turtle
Maureen Jackson (Field Technician)
Hello! My name is Maureen and I am a graduate of Fleming College and Trent University with a Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma and a B.Sc. in Biology. I am passionate about conservation and love spending my time outdoors. I have previously worked with the Canadian Wildlife Service as a Protected Areas Technician, where I assisted in the monitoring and maintenance of Big Creek and Long Point National Wildlife Areas. I loved being able to work in wetlands every day and see so many interesting flora and fauna species. I am excited and looking forward to working with the OTCC as a part of the field team.
Maureen’s favourite Ontario turtle species is: Spotted Turtle