Staff & Associates

Cathy Blott, B.Sc.
Associate Habitat Restoration Biologist

Cathy is an Associate Habitat Restoration Biologist with 8Trees Inc., specializing in hydrological system monitoring. She earned her Honours B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Waterloo in 1993 and brings over 27 years of experience in wildlife restoration and conservation.

At 8Trees, Cathy’s responsibilities include conducting fieldwork, analyzing data, preparing reports and proposals, and mentoring staff, students, and volunteers in the field. She is also actively involved in building partnerships with landowners, municipalities, and agencies to strengthen support for ongoing restoration projects.

Katharine Yagi, PhD, CERPIT
Research Associate

Katharine is a Research Associate with 8Trees Inc. and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University. She serves on the COSEWIC Amphibian & Reptile Specialist Subcommittee and has been a member of the Fowler’s Toad Recovery Implementation Team since 2011.

She earned her B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the University of Guelph (2008), her M.Sc. in Biology from Laurentian University (2010) under the supervision of Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus, and her Ph.D. in Renewable Resources from McGill University (2018) under the supervision of Dr. David M. Green.

At 8Trees, Katharine contributes to a wide range of initiatives, including project design, data analysis, report preparation, funding applications, and outreach programs, with a focus on wetland restoration and species-at-risk recovery.

Erica Yagi, M.A.
Social Media Coordinator

Erica completed her M.A. in Communications, Popular Culture, and Film at Brock University in 2017 and has been the Social Media Coordinator for 8Trees Inc. since January 2018. In this role, she manages public communications, develops educational content on species at risk, and shares updates on ongoing 8Trees projects.

She recently completed a contract with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) as an Administrative Assistant, further expanding her administrative and organizational expertise. Erica has also worked as an online English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and holds a Law Clerk diploma, reflecting her versatile professional background.

Heather Yagi,
Outreach Illustrator

Heather completed her Diploma in 3D Animation, Art & Design at Humber College in 2017 and now works with 8Trees Inc. as an Outreach Illustrator. In this role, she creates outreach and promotional materials as well as merchandise designs that help bring conservation projects to life.

In addition to her work at 8Trees, Heather has been a 3D modeler and background artist with Keyframe Digital Productions, where she contributed to high-quality animation projects. A lifelong animal enthusiast, she has also recently discovered a passion for plants and is growing an impressive indoor collection.

James Butler, B.Sc.
Research Technician

James is a Research Technician with 8Trees Inc. He earned his B.Sc. (Honours) in Environmental Biology and Technology from Nipissing University in 2022 and completed the Environmental Technician – Protection and Compliance diploma at Canadore College in 2020.

James is deeply passionate about the protection of species at risk and advancing conservation initiatives. He hopes to combine his technical skills and strong commitment to species-at-risk protection to build a career in conservation.

Gabriel Walker
Field Technician

Gabriel brings a diverse background in ecological restoration, soil health, and outdoor education to the 8Trees team. With training in soil microscopy and the Soil Food Web approach, he supports restoration projects through soil analysis and ecosystem monitoring. His experience includes traditional Indigenous medicine harvesting, community-based food security programs, and wilderness survival training. A certified Archery Range Safety Officer and Yoga Instructor, he blends environmental science with holistic and land-based learning, fostering respect, balance, and stewardship in every project.

Seasonal Staff, Students & Interns

  • Marina Voigt (GEOG 4F99 Intern, Brock University)

Previous Staff & Students

  • Alanah Joyce, B.Sc.
  • Curtis Abney, M.Sc.
  • Byron Garcia, Dipl.
  • Brie-Anne Breton, M.Sc.
  • Rebecca Anderson, B.Sc.
  • Rylee Goerlitz, B.Sc.
  • Helen Hermansen, B.Sc.
  • Matthew Jung, B.Sc.
  • Theresa Bukovics, M.Sc.
  • Cole Vandenberg
  • Priya Kannankulathu
  • Savannah Stuart
  • Scott Falk
  • Victoria Zachar
  • Mike Hoggan
  • Mingxuan Su
  • Calvin Dickens
  • Wynne Reiccheld
  • Willow Holmes
  • Grace Jackson
  • Thenuja Vittanachchi
  • Abitha Thavanesan
  • Tiana Bilodeau
  • Luc Goulet , M.Sc.
  • Sharaya McCollum-Brown
  • Michael Babin, B.Sc., CERPIT
  • Bethany Kuntz, M.Sc., RPB (BC)
  • Justin de Vuyst, BBRM
  • Zach Morningstar
  • Alyssa McInally
  • Hannah Dodington
  • Scott Sherk