Small is Mighty: How small urban ecology projects are having big impacts and how you can contribute

Nina-Marie Lister is an ecological designer and registered professional planner working across applied research, teaching and practice to connect people to nature in cities. Her transdisciplinary work advances designs for green infrastructure that protects biodiversity and supports equitable, accessible and healthy community-based solutions to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Through design activism, she advocates for co-existence of wildlife and people in healthy, connected landscapes.

Carmen is an interdisciplinary visual artist and performer. She has a long history of initiating art projects and creative community-integrated projects that have resulted in the enrichment of school programs, community enhancement, and ongoing creative work for many artists and community members. She is motivated by her interest in art, the environment, and empowering people to become active and involved. In 2010 Carmen received the Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award and in 2012 the Queen’s Jubilee Award for her art with the community. She has an Art History degree from UBC and a diploma from Emily Carr Institute. Carmen is the founding artistic director of Still Moon Arts Society: inspiring vibrant and connected communities by creating art and nurturing a passion for nature, 2004 – present.

Landscape architect and member of the AAPQ, Caroline brought a deep knowledge of Montreal’s professional, municipal and community networks as well as over ten years of multi-disciplinary urban design experience to the Park People team. She was the development coordinator for the Champ des Possibles for 5 years. Caroline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Quebec in Montreal and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the Université de Montréal.

Mahnaz Ghalib is passionate about the environment and works on innovative and sustainable solutions through community participation. Her journey to restore urban landscapes and promote outdoor environmental education led to the Dallington Pollinators Community Garden Project! For the last eight years, she along with her co-volunteers has educated community members and young children about organic gardening and environmental stewardship.

Kelsey develops and runs many of Park People’s public space events and is an expert at inspiring people to see and experience their city in new and unexpected ways. 

As the founder of Kensington Market’s Pedestrian Sundays and with a background in urban planning, engagement practices, and community arts, she brings endless ideas and people-powered logistics expertise to any situation.