Staff — Family Forest Network

Kevin Keys, PhD, RPF

Project Scientist

Kevin is a registered professional forester and soil scientist with over 30 years of experience in applied and collaborative research, forest ecology and management, soil classification and interpretation, site assessment and sampling, technical and scientific writing, training and extension activities, and project management. He is a former research forester with Nova Scotia Natural Resources and Renewables and co-author of Nova Scotia's forest ecosystem classification (FEC) and ecological land classification (ELC) guides. Kevin is also an authority on regional wetland (hydric) soils and an experienced wetland delineator.

Jackie Saturno, MSc

Network Manager (she/her)

As Network Manager, Jackie is responsible for coordinating the Family Forest Network, a five-year program made up of 11 forestry partners aiming to promote ecological forestry through research and outreach. Prior to this position, Jackie worked in the Westwood Lab at Dalhousie University and contributed to research projects that focused on bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. She also has 7+ years of environmental research and project management experience, and has worked on various projects including community based work in rural Newfoundland, and managing an international collaboration to monitor pandemic-related plastic pollution. Jackie is also the recipient of National Geographic research grants, and her work has been covered by media outlets including CBC, Toronto Star, Canadian Geographic, and National Geographic. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Guelph, an Ecosystem Restoration Diploma from Niagara College, and a Master of Science in Fisheries Science and Technology from Memorial University.

Peter Neily, RPF

Consulting Project Scientist

Peter is a registered professional forester and forest ecologist recently retired from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. He was project leader and co-author of Nova Scotia's forest ecosystem classification (FEC) and ecological land classification (ELC) guides. Peter also co-authored two recent research papers on natural disturbance regimes in Nova Scotia forests and co-led the compilation of A Field Guide to Forest Biodiversity Stewardship. A career of 45 years has focussed on applied research in forest nursery production, reforestation, intensive forest management, and ecosystem-based forest management.

Ryan Dickie

Forest Operations Coordinator

Ryan is a 2009 graduate of the Natural Resources and Environmental Technology program at NSCC. Prior to attending NSCC, he worked in the industry doing PCT work and on a Christmas tree farm during his teenage years. Post-graduation, he worked for a silviculture contractor for two years doing quality auditing on planting sites, layout and data collection for PCT sites, and then chainsaw harvesting in the winter months. In 2012, Ryan became a self-employed contractor doing silviculture work, writing management plans, and doing small scale harvesting with a chainsaw and farm tractor. In 2017, he accepted a job for a larger mill as harvesting supervisor and silviculture coordinator and worked in that role for 2 years before returning to contracting.

In addition to his silviculture and harvesting experience, Ryan has experience road building as a planner, supervisor, and heavy equipment operator. He holds certifications for Watercourse Alteration (both as a sizer and installer), Forest Ecosystem Classification, Wildfire Suppression, Incident Command, and Chainsaw / Clearing Saw Operation.

Kyle MacArthur

Field Forest Professional

Kyle graduated from the Maritime College of Forest Technology in 2017 and went on to earn a BSc. degree in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick in 2021. Throughout his professional journey, he served as a forest technician in Northern British Columbia and New Brunswick, where he gained expertise in precise forest data collection. Transitioning to roles as a forester in the private woodlands sectors of both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Kyle developed proficiency in crafting forest management plans and providing recommendations that prioritize landowners’ interests and forest restoration. Kyle is dedicated to paving the way for long-term ecological forestry practices in Nova Scotia, while also assisting private woodlands in reaching their full potential.

Evan Lafford

GIS Field Professional

Evan’s passion lies in GIS and sustainable forestry. His love for nature started early on in his life with beavers, cubs, and scouts. After 2 years at NSCC for Natural Resources and Environmental Technology, he went to the Centre of Geographic Sciences for 2 years to study GIS, and focused his self-directed projects to be forestry-based where applicable. After graduation, he worked as a GIS Applications Specialist for a forest management company in Northern Ontario for 2 years. Evan can’t think of anything he’d rather be doing more than this project. Evan also loves space, all things science, and hiking.