The OFGCC is honoured to present the 2024 OFGCC Deceased Member’s Bursary Award to Julia Johnston who is graduating from the Environmental Sustainability program at Lakehead University.
Julia’s graduating research project is titled: “Assessing Mechanical and Chemical Strategies for the control of Invasive Species ‘Common Buckthorn’, Integrating Environmental Factors and Management Recommendations for Volunteer Organizations.
Throughout her tenure with Georgian College and Lakehead University Julia pursued her commitment to environmental advocacy by spearheading outreach programs with Orillia’s Recreation and Works Department to tackle the removal of invasive species, ‘Phragmites’, along neighboring shorelines and ditches. Julia has also provided education outreach on invasive species to cottagers, PROBUS clubs, elementary schools, Lakehead University, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and many more concerned groups.
Starting in 2022, Julia has been the project leader for the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club’s program to identify and remove invasive species, ‘Common Buckthorn’ from the George Langman Sanctuary as part of the sanctuaries ongoing rehabilitation program.
And, in her spare time, Julia is a music director of four community singing groups.
We wish Julia great success as she moves forward with her career and look forward to learning about the many contributions she will make advancing environmental and conservation efforts.