Staff

Toni Ellis – Acting Executive Director

Toni Ellis is a long-time environmental activist who believes that change happens from the ground up. Toni is a board member of the Elora Environment Centre and is coordinating the urban tree program, Neighbourwoods, which mobilizes volunteers to plant, steward, inventory and advocate for our community’s urban forest. Toni managed Forests Ontario’s Heritage Tree program which recognizes the province’s most historically important trees. Toni was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2007 and awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Braedon Witt – Program Manager & Chapter Development

Braedon’s academic journey includes a Master’s in Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto, where he received the 2023 T.W. Dwight Prize for academic excellence.
“I am thrilled to join the team at Tree Trust, which is making a meaningful contribution to tackling the climate crisis and tree education,” says Braedon.

For more information, please contact Braedon at [email protected].

Paige Palmer – Chapter Coordinator

Paige is a recent graduate of the Honours Science (B.Sc) program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her studies focused primarily on environmental science, geographical applications, and sustainable natural resource management. With more free time after finishing her studies, Paige enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, and gardening—hobbies that reflect her love for nature and the outdoors.

For more information, please contact Paige at [email protected]

Hannah Hiemstra – Chapter Coordinator

Hannah is a recent Master of Science graduate from the University of Guelph, where she studied wildlife biology and specialized in conservation and climate action. She brings experience from the environmental non-profit sector and is passionate about using creativity and problem-solving to drive innovative conservation solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Ben Taylor – Technology Coordinator

Ben is a technology professional based in Toronto. He grew up in Centre Wellington, and has loved trees as long as he can remember! 

Phil Guenter

Phil Guenter is the owner and lead climber of Baum Tree Care. He graduated from Humber College in the Arboriculture Apprenticeship program and Sir Sanford Fleming College as a Forestry Technician. He has been an arborist for over 15 years and is extremely passionate about trees and their conservation.
He is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Ontario Chapter. He volunteers with various tree stewardship groups in Center Wellington such as  Neighbourwoods on the Grand & Communitrees.
Baum Professional Tree Care is a family-owned and operated tree service in Center Wellington since 2009. We specialize in tree climbing, allowing us to work on your tree with less impact on your yard from heavy equipment

Tobias Effinger

Arboreal was established in 2001 to offer the Blue Mountains/Southern Georgian Bay region with an arboriculture firm to provide tree care of the highest standard.
Certified arborists on staff ensure that the prescribed action for trees in our care is carried out to the highest level, while maintaining a professional membership with ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) ensures we keep abreast of the latest techniques and research in our field.
Our equipment compliments our professional team by being up to date and meeting or exceeding the standards set for our industry. From large items such as using modern well maintained engines in our equipment to ensure efficiency and environmental responsibility, to important smaller details such as our use of biodegradable bar oil for our chainsaws so that no petroleum products are left at your site.

Our methodology is based in responsibility, respect and accountability towards the living organisms on which we practice our craft and to the clients who have chosen to use our services.He is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Ontario Chapter. He volunteers with various tree stewardship groups in Center Wellington such as  Neighbourwoods on the Grand & Communitrees.

Tyler Ganton

We Care Tree Care provides knowledgeable and professional services, from the removal of hazardous trees, to health care plans for young and older trees. We will do everything we can to protect, prune, and conserve the trees that we are working on and the trees around them.

Doug Steel

Full Circle Tree Care is locally owned and operated by Doug Steel, Certified Arborist; Certificate in Urban Tree Maintenance, Sir Sandford Fleming College; Diploma in Horticulture, University of Guelph. Our staff includes arborists certified with the Province of Ontario and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Tim Lott

Tim, has been a certified arborist for 23 years since taking an arboriculture program in 1995 at Sir Sandford Fleming College In Lindsay On. He has been climbing trees professionally for the same amount of time, starting at a company in Kitchener then branching out working for various companies within the area as a contract climber and starting Tim’s Tree Care.  Then incorporating January 1 2017.  As well, Tim has been an instructor for the arboriculture program at Humber College in Toronto and Fanshawe College in London, for the horticulture program.Tim’s Tree Care takes pride in what we do.  In addition to our many years of experience, our knowledge base began with schooling and continuing education provided by annual conferences.  All climbers stay up to date with Working at Height certifications as well as other relevant courses and training on a regular basis.