Enthusiastic, talented folks who bring experiences to life with their passion and knowledge.

Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 80 radio and television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com

Lisa Cafaro has been an outdoor and environmental education instructor with the Peel District School Board for almost 25 years, specializing in delivering curriculum-based nature programs for students from kindergarten to grade 12. Passionate about fostering a deep connection to nature, she brings her love of birds, animals, and the environment into engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all ages. An avid adventure sports enthusiast and hiker, Lisa thrives in outdoor exploration and adventure. Additionally, she is a professional artist working in various mediums, combining her creative talents with a passion for teaching art and inspiring others through the beauty of nature and artistic expression.

Jon Corbin (formerly known as The Runaway) is a Canadian hip-hop & spoken word artist with lyrical themes of faith, love, family, social justice, and personal growth. Corbin is a veteran artist who has quietly carved a niche in Canada’s hip-hop community, collaborating with multiple Polaris Music Prize nominee Shad, Juno Award winner Caroline Brooks of The Good Lovelies, and many other revered emcees on both sides of the border. Over the past 12 years, Jon has performed on stages big and small, providing a dynamic show that represents the basic tenets of hip-hop: peace, love, unity, and having fun! Jon, who is Multiracial, lives in Nova Scotia with his wife and five children. Jon is also a certified teacher who explores multiculturalism through literature, rhyme and music in the classroom.

Jacqui Du Toit is a master storyteller who brings the rich traditions and culture of South Africa to life through her animated performances. With a unique blend of movement, dance, singing, facial expressions, and dramatic impersonations, Jacqui captivates her audience and leaves them spellbound. Her performances are more than just words - they are a celebration of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to bring people together.

Caroline is a world traveler and University of Toronto graduate with a rich background in physics and astronomy, where she conducted research on pulsars and their significant role in understanding the universe. and participated in an internship at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). Caroline is a fan favourite at Four Corners Algonquin where she combines her scientific rigor with a passion for outdoor adventures to inspire and educate all ages about the cosmos. Join Caroline for an out-of-this-world experience gazing at the stars at our outdoor theatre!

Emily Febrey, also known as Ranger Em, is on a mission to connect people with the wonders of the natural world. As the creator and host of the popular YouTube show Learn with Ranger Em, she combines curiosity, humour, and a knack for asking the questions we’re all secretly wondering to bring audiences closer to the experts shaping conservation today.  Whether through the lens of a camera or the soles of hiking boots, Ranger Em connects everyday nature lovers to the science behind the scenes. When she’s not in front of the camera or interviewing experts, you can find her exploring trails with her four-legged pal, Finnigan on impromptu wildlife-spotting adventures. Passionate, approachable, and always ready with a fun fact about an animal or plant, Ranger Em invites everyone to join her in learning about and curating an appreciation for nature. 

Kari Krogh, PhD Psychology, has worked as professor and Senior Research Fellow with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She now lives off-grid on the nearby private EcoWisdom Forest Preserve with her partner and environmental educator David Gordon. They launched EcoWisdom Programs and Training after Kari experienced remarkable improvements in her health from forest living, including relief from chronic pain. EcoWisdom collaborates with universities to undertake research on physical and emotional wellbeing benefits of nature connection through forest bathing. EcoWisdom’s Team of 30+ experts offer evidence-based Nature and Forest Therapy Guide certification training, on-demand courses, and virtual forest bathing programs using proven methods. Kari speaks internationally about accessible, inclusive, and virtual forest bathing.

From classrooms to campgrounds, teacher-librarian Leigh turns everyday opportunities to explore, play, and grow closer to the world around us into one dynamite “aha” moment after another! Her current mission at Wild Company combines her lifelong connection to nature and her knack for designing engaging, hands-on, one-of-a-kind  experiences to inspire folks of all ages and stages to embrace the wild wonders of Algonquin. Join Leigh on a nature walk, wildlife observation, or at our weekend movie nights and discover how time spent outdoors in the company of great people can be unforgettable at any age.

Marilyn has spent over 40 years connecting people of all ages with the land and forest.  She feels most spiritually and physically alive outdoors and creates safe and invitational opportunities for others to experience that aliveness too. She is fond of saying that “the land and forest take care of us” more than we could ever possibly take care of them.  Take a guided walk with Marilyn and you may become reacquainted with parts of the land and yourself that you’ve never known or forgotten. Marilyn cultivates her own deep land and forest connection at Rise Above Guest House near Maynooth, where she lives and regularly facilitates retreats and gatherings.