Our organization is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, who bring a wealth of expertise and commitment to the table. Committed to transparency, accountability, and community engagement, our board plays a pivotal role in steering the organization toward its mission.
To efficiently address various aspects of our mission, we have established a series of committees, each focused on specific facets of Ojibway Prairie's conservation and community involvement. These committees allow us to delve into the diverse challenges and opportunities that arise, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to our initiatives.
BILL ROESEL, President
“I love the incredible diversity within the Ojibway Prairie Complex, with new species being discovered all the time. With such a small and fractured landmass, it is amazing to see the variety of plants and animals that call Ojibway home.
“The tallgrass prairie and oak savannah ecosystems are some of the rarest ecosystems in the country, with only a few remnants remaining. We are fortunate to have them at our doorstep.”
Bill joined the board in 2015. He is retired after 32 years in municipal government, including 23 years as Windsor’s city forester.
CLAIRE McALLISTER, Vice-President
“I love that I can enjoy the prairie in any season. I love to observe the ever-changing nature of the prairie. Depending on the climate in spring, summer, winter, fall, whether wet or dry that year, the stands of flowering plants are either abundant that year for a certain species or they are much diminished while others have flourished.
“There is so much to see in the prairie - the insects, birds, mammals, trees. There is a surprise every time I walk in the prairie.
“For me, walking in the prairie is a true palliative.
“The tallgrass ecosystem is known to be (one of) the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. These native plants bring our pollinators, which we need in order to survive. It’s a refuge for animals and birds. It’s also a carbon sink. It has the capability of capturing and burying carbon in its deep-rooted systems.
“I joined the board because protecting our natural environment (is) very important to me. I also wanted to become more knowledgeable about the prairie plants and grasses, as well as (I hope) to bring awareness to others in our community of this unique gem in our city. It also became very important when Coco Paving was to build a mall adjacent to the prairie that would have a severe negative impact on the prairie.”
Claire has served on the board for two decades. She is a retired Sandwich Community Health Centre nurse.
Dave puglia, Secretary
David is a former guide at the Ojibway Nature Centre and a longtime supporter of protecting the Ojibway Prairie Complex.
He joined the board because “I thought I had a lot to offer through my knowledge of the local flora and fauna as well as nature conservancy and stewardship.
“What I love most about the Ojibway Prairie Complex is the diversity of plants and animals for such a small area of nature surrounded by industry and close to a growing city.”
Dave joined the board in 2012. He works for the federal government.
Mike Fisher, Interim treasurer, membership secretary, chairperson of Friends’ Ojibway National Urban Park Committee
“I’m not originally from Windsor. I discovered Ojibway and absolutely loved it. I would go for walks there with my wife as often as possible. I joined the Friends of Ojibway Prairie to show support for the Ojibway Prairie Complex.
“Being out in nature so close to the city, just walking around and being able to enjoy a little piece of tranquillity not far from home - Ojibway is a special place.”
Mike joined the board in 2016. He is an IT manager at the University of Windsor.
Mary-Alice Beneteau
“I wanted to join the board as I am a gardener and nature enthusiast and have been a volunteer assisting with seed collection at Ojibway.
“I am very passionate about native plants and their relationship to native bees and other pollinators.
“The biodiversity at Ojibway is incredible, with some plants and animals existing only there and no place else. I am interested in learning more about what makes Ojibway unique and sharing that with the general public so we can all appreciate the importance of the natural wonders there.
“I am excited to be part of the process of creating the national urban park, connecting the multiple spaces around Ojibway as a national park.
“What I love the most about the Ojibway Prairie Complex is the sheer wildness of the place. Observing the wildlife and experiencing the changes that the trees, flora and fauna go through in all the seasons. A walk through Ojibway is good for the soul. You never know what bird or animal will surprise you when you visit.”
Mary-Alice joined the board in 2023. She is the retired director of diagnostic imaging at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
MichelLe bondy
“As a former guide at Ojibway, I was very interested in remaining connected with the park complex and helping support the mission of Friends of Ojibway Prairie.
“I have a background in science and environmental education, and I am looking forward to collaborating with other FOOP members and the nature centre staff to preserve and increase awareness of the complex and the species (that) rely on the habitats within.
“Like so many residents of Windsor-Essex, I have memories of the complex going back to childhood. Thanks to the ongoing work of park staff, researchers and community scientists, we know that Ojibway is home to many native and endangered species, and preserving the complex is especially important given the lack of natural areas in our region.
“I think what I love most about Ojibway is its relatively urban location. Having this complex within city limits is very special and allows more people to be able to access and learn about these important habitats and species. Being able to experience nature without having to travel too far is a gift.”
Michelle joined the board in 2023. She is a learning specialist in the Faculty of Science at the University of Windsor.
Heidi Jacobs
“Over the years, the Ojibway Prairie Complex has become a very important place for me, and I often feel like it looks after me. I wanted to return the favour and help to look after it and help others see what a special place it is.
“I love how every time I visit the Ojibway Prairie Complex, it’s different. Every visit, every week, every season there is something new and exciting to see and learn about.
“I think this land is important because of what it is - it’s a habitat for such a wide range of plants, insects, birds and animals. But it’s also important because of where it is. I think it’s good for the residents of this area to understand that vital and precarious natural habitats aren’t just ‘out there’ - they’re here in our city, too.
“I think the Ojibway Prairie Complex is a fantastic example of what nature can offer us but also a reminder that we need to be careful and deliberate stewards of spaces like these.”
Heidi joined the board in 2021. She is a librarian at the University of Windsor.
Rob Janisse
“I joined the board because of a love for nature and the Ojibway Prairie Complex and an appetite to give back to my community in an area I’m passionate about.”
Rob loves “escaping the cement jungle of a city for a moment in nature surrounded by beauty.
“As such a small set of lands compared to the rest of the county, it is so important to protect for future generations to steward and enjoy.”
Rob joined the board in 2019. He is alumni coordinator of special projects in the alumni relations department at the University of Windsor.
Dylan Kristy
“I decided to join the board because I have a deep appreciation for the unique and important nature of the Ojibway Prairie Complex. The area holds a significant place in my heart, and I recognize its value as a natural sanctuary that allows people to immerse themselves in nature, right in our community’s backyard. My motivation stems from a desire to actively contribute to the protection of this precious environment.
“What I love most about the Ojibway Prairie Complex is its unparalleled ability to transport me into a realm of pure natural wonder. It’s one of the few places in our region where you can go for a walk and feel lost in nature. The feeling of being surrounded by the untouched beauty of the complex is something truly magical. It’s not just a patch of land; it’s a living, breathing entity that captivates my senses and stirs a deep connection to the environment.”
Dylan joined the board in 2018. He works in marketing and communication at the University of Windsor.
Nicole Shangi
“I joined the board to be more involved with my community and to protect and preserve the beautiful Ojibway Prairie Complex.
“I love the Ojibway Prairie Complex because of the abundance and uniqueness of the biodiversity throughout the seasons, like the spectacular spring bird migration. The ecosystems throughout the complex are, unfortunately, becoming more and more rare, and they need everyone’s help to preserve them for generations to come!”
Nicole joined the board in 2023. She works in horticulture for landscaping.
Mike St. pierre
“The mission of this organization is to protect the area’s diverse ecosystem through education and restoration. These are goals that have always been of interest to me. The pending legislation to transform the Ojibway Prairie Complex into a national urban park makes it a very exciting time to get involved.
“There are very few tallgrass prairies remaining in our region. The unique flora and fauna that this microcosm protects is incredible.
“I am an avid birder and visit many of the Ojibway Prairie Complex sites on a regular basis. I love the fact that these sites are close by and easily accessible.”
Mike joined the board in 2023. He is a retired teacher consultant at the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, where part of his portfolio included outdoor education, like beach cleanups and restoration projects at Point Pelee and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, EcoSchool certification, Fighting Island class visits and greening school grounds.