Steven Aboud, B. Sc., - Principal - Senior Ecologist & Certified Arborist, is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture and certified in southern Ontario’s Wetland Evaluation System. He has worked on, and directed over 600 projects related to urban forestry, characterization and mitigation analysis of natural features, and ecological restoration for clients in the public and private sectors since 1989. Steven is trained and experienced in the identification of trees, native and cultivated in the northern hemisphere with over eighteen years of experience at the University of Guelph Arboretum where he confirmed the identification of over 2,000 varieties of trees and shrubs, managed the tree database, and published reports on the status of rare woody plants in southern Ontario. Steven has taught tree identification courses as the coordinator of interpretive programs at the University of Guelph Arboretum, and the International Society of Arboriculture tree identification testing program. He has attended the OMB as an expert witness and provided expert written testimony on litigation and legal matters of trees. From his experiences of detailed studies on the status of rare native plants of Ontario, authorship of books on naturalization methods and extensive project experience, Steven understands the issues and constraints, and the solutions to issues of urban forestry, ecosystem protection, and low-maintenance landscape design using models of natural systems.

As a Principal of the Aboud & Associates team, Steven directs projects of environmental assessments and restoration, conducts and/or manages detailed botanical and tree/woodlot inventories for all project types, environmental impact studies, and prepares ecological restoration management plans and mitigation treatments of natural features.

 

Steven Aboud

 

 
 

Kevin Butt, B.Sc.(Env.), Ecosystem Restoration Post Graduate Certificate - Certified Arborist & Terrestrial Ecologist. Kevin has over a decade of experience as an ecological consultant in the private and public sector. He is certified in the Ontario Ecological Land Classification System (ELC), Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) and is a fully accredited member of the  International Society of Arboriculture. As a project manager, Kevin routinely conducts botanical inventories, arborist reports, ELC assessments, OWES wetland assessments, and prepares ecological restoration designs and monitoring programs.

 

 Kevin Butt performing an ELC at Wilket Creek, Toronto
 

 

 

  
 

Brian Miller, Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma - Biology Technician. An honours graduate of the Sault College Fish and Wildlife program, Brian has several years of private and public consulting experience throughout Ontario. Brian’s passion for the natural environment has continuously expanded his skill set through his grass roots volunteer experiences and university level professional development. As a member of the team, Brian conducts ELC, vegetation, and wildlife inventory, assessment, monitoring, and assists with ecological restoration design.

 

 Brian Miller Assessing Vegetation as a part of a Trail Impact Study in Block 12, Vaughan
 

 

 

  
   

Marc Nielsen, B. L. A., OALA (associate) - Landscape Architect Intern.  Currently enrolled in the Professional Development Program to become a fully accredited Landscape Architect with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects; Marc has over a decade of design and construction experience in the “green” industry’s public and private sectors. An award winning honours graduate of the University of Guelph’s Landscape Architecture program, Marc brings a unique approach that blends traditional and ecological landscape design grounded by his practical experience. As a project manager, Marc oversees all graphic communications, prepares master plans, detailed construction documents, contract administration, and construction review. 

 

 Marc Nielsen in an old field meadow at Huron Natural Area, Kitchener
 

 

 

  
   

Denise Sharp, Office Manager. An integral part of the Aboud & Associates team, Denise brings over 20 years of administration, business management and accounting experience in retail, consulting and federal government agencies. With her ever expanding continuing education in business management, business law and managerial statistics; Denise is responsible for office management, bookkeeping, accounts management, maintaining administration records, government programs, preparing proposals and researching background project information.

 
 

 

 

  
   

Bryan Abel, GIS/CAD Technician. A graduate of the Sir Sandford Fleming Geomatics Technician Program and Cartographic Specialist Program, Bryan’s previous work and volunteer experiences in the public sector and non-profit organizations has afforded the opportunity to develop valuable skills in cultural and ecological GIS mapping, GPS data collection, database management, and quality assurance. As a member of the team, Bryan is responsible for providing mapping, data analysis, and drafting using AutoCAD and ArcGIS.