About Us
Ecopa Environmental was established to meet two needs within the field of natural resources management. Firstly, our commitment lies in delivering comprehensive training for environmental professionals, prioritizing practical field experience coupled with a solid grasp of natural history and pertinent legislation. This ensures that our trainees are well-equipped to navigate real-world scenarios and challenges.
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Secondly, Ecopa stands out for providing high-quality environmental consulting services that guarantee assessments characterized by reliability, transparency, and trustworthiness. Our seasoned team brings a wealth of experience, boasting a robust background in various aspects of environmental assessments. This includes expertise in ecological land classifications, ornithological fieldwork, field botany, and wildlife surveys.
Paul is the founder of Ecopa Environmental and a professor at Fleming College. He has extensive knowledge of ELC, EIA, wetland evaluations, ornithology, and wildlife ecology and has taught these subjects to hundreds of students. With over 20 years of experience with the Canadian Wildlife Service's Protected Areas Program, an ecosystem scientist for Parks Canada eastern Arctic National Parks and a tenure as a senior terrestrial ecologist for Hatch (a consulting engineering company), Paul brings a wealth of practical environmental expertise to his workshops and consulting services. Additionally, Paul has years of international experience, having developed and taught courses in ecological monitoring and environmental impact assessment for the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria.
John is a highly acclaimed instructor and naturalist who has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field. With a focus on Applied Habitat Assessments, ornithology, and wildlife ecology, John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. He has dedicated himself to helping students understand the complexities of the natural world and how to preserve it for future generations. Before joining the faculty at Fleming College, John was the owner of a successful environmental consulting business. He specialized in conducting fish and wildlife inventories, performing habitat assessments, and conducting Environmental Impact Studies, leveraging his expertise in these areas to provide valuable insights and recommendations to clients. Today, John continues to impart his wisdom and passion for the natural world to students, inspiring the next generation of conservationists and environmental stewards.
Mike Oldham worked at the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), from 1993 to 2021. He has conducted botanical surveys throughout the province from the Carolinian Zone to the Hudson Bay Lowland. Mike served on the COSEWIC Vascular Plants Subcommittee for more than 20 years and as Ontario’s provincial representative on COSEWIC. Mike has also worked as a botanist and ecologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in district and regional offices in Aylmer, London, Richmond Hill, and Chatham, as well as for conservation authorities and as an independent environmental consultant. He is a founding member of the Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO) and has been an associate editor of the FBO Newsletter (now Ontario Plant Press) since its inception. Mike is a Research Associate with the Canadian Museum of Nature and an Emeritus Research Associate with NHIC.
William Van Hemessen has worked in the environmental field since 2011 and has conducted botanical surveys throughout Ontario for conservation, research, environmental assessments, monitoring, and a wide range of other projects. Currently an independent consultant based in North Dumfries Township, William has led and contributed to numerous conservation and research projects for rare and endangered plants, including COSEWIC status assessments, provincial recovery strategies, and hands-on stewardship work. For over ten years, he has led plant identification workshops and field trips for universities and non-government organizations. He is on the board of directors of the Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO) and is actively involved with the Thames Talbot Land Trust, Rare Charitable Research Reserve, Birds Canada, and other conservation groups. He is also currently completing a master's degree in ecology and evolution at Western University in London, Ontario. William's knowledge and expertise is particularly focused on the flora of Ontario's Carolinian Zone, especially the asters, goldenrods, and other composites.
Doug, an experienced ornithologist with over 40 years of working with birds and wildlife, has led over 100 birding tours worldwide. He conducts field trips and workshops on bird identification and has participated in numerous research programs, focusing on shorebirds in the Hudson Bay Lowland. Through Shrew Solutions Inc., Doug provides biological assessments and expert testimony at environmental review hearings. He recently started teaching Ornithology and Wildlife courses at Fleming College.
Sam Pethick is a highly skilled GIS cartographic specialist who is an expert in all things mapping. With his knowledge of GIS technologies, combined with his exceptional attention to detail, Sam is an invaluable asset to the company. He is dedicated to producing high-quality maps and visualizations that accurately and effectively communicate complex information. Whether it's creating custom maps or conducting spatial analysis, Sam is always up to the task and ready to deliver results that meet and exceed our clients' expectations.