Our Conservation Mission

At Terra Nova Scales, our mission is to safeguard Canada's vital reptile populations through a unique blend of scientific expertise, immersive eco-tourism, and dedicated educational outreach. We believe that by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these often-misunderstood creatures, we can inspire a new generation of conservationists.

Our vision for Ontario's reptile conservation extends to thriving habitats, reduced threats, and a robust understanding of ecological balance within our communities. We champion scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, and proactive community engagement as our core values, ensuring every guided tour and workshop contributes directly to long-term conservation goals.

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Deep Dive into Our Core Values

Our commitment begins with rigorous scientific research, informing all our conservation strategies. We practice and promote sustainable eco-tourism, designed to have minimal environmental impact while maximizing educational value. Community engagement is paramount, ensuring local involvement and support for our reptile protection efforts.

Healthy Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in its natural wetland habitat, representing active conservation efforts and Canadian eco-tourism.
Protecting Canada's unique reptile habitats is at the heart of our mission.

Conservation Leadership Team

Portrait of Dr. Elara Vance, smiling confidently
Dr. Elara Vance

Founder & Lead Herpetologist

Dr. Vance brings two decades of field experience and a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology. Her pioneering research on Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake populations has been instrumental in shaping Ontario's reptile protection strategies.

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Portrait of Kai Morton, engaged and professional
Kai Morton

Director of Education & Outreach

With a background in environmental education, Kai designs our impactful workshops and community programs, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging experiences for all ages.

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Portrait of Sofia Pereira, attentive and curious
Sofia Pereira

Lead Wildlife Photographer & Field Guide

Sofia's award-winning photography captures the hidden beauty of Canadian reptiles, essential for our advocacy and public awareness campaigns, complementing her deep knowledge as a field guide.

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Expert Naturalists and Conservationists

Our expanded team comprises dedicated naturalists, certified guides, and passionate educators, each bringing unique skills to our expeditions and conservation projects.

Portrait of a smiling naturalist
Jordan Lee

Herpetology Specialist

Specializes in turtle ecology and habitat restoration. Certified WFR.

Portrait of a nature photographer
Alex Chen

Wildlife Photography Guide

Expert in macro photography of reptiles, assisting guests in capturing stunning images.

Portrait of an environmental educator
Maria Rodriguez

Environmental Educator

Develops and leads interactive programs for schools and family groups.

Portrait of a field biologist
David Kim

Field Biologist & GIS Analyst

Tracks reptile movements and habitat health using advanced mapping technology.

Our Conservation Impact

Terra Nova Scales has achieved tangible results in the protection and recovery of Canada's reptile species. Our efforts extend from direct habitat restoration to pioneering research and broad community engagement:

  • Species Recovery Success

    Successfully contributed to a 15% increase in known Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake populations over the past five years.

  • Habitat Restoration

    Restored over 50 hectares of critical wetland and shoreline habitats, directly benefiting turtle and snake populations.

  • Community Engagement

    Reached over 10,000 individuals annually through our educational workshops and responsible viewing programs.

Lush, restored wetland habitat teeming with emergent vegetation, signifying successful habitat restoration and ecological balance.
A healthy wetland, a testament to our ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Conservation Collaboration Network

Our reach and impact are amplified through strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations dedicated to wildlife preservation.

University of Toronto logo

Research Partnerships

Ontario Parks logo

Habitat Management

Wildlife Federation of Canada logo

Advocacy & Outreach

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Policy & Monitoring

Through these collaborations, we ensure our methods are scientifically sound, our projects are impactful, and our conservationメッセージ reaches a wider audience across Canadian eco-tourism communities.

Join Our Conservation Community

Your passion can help protect Canada's reptiles. Discover how you can contribute to our vital work.

Volunteer with Us

Lend your time and skills to field surveys, educational events, or habitat clean-ups.

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Donate to Support

Every contribution directly funds species recovery, research, and educational initiatives.

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Attend a Workshop

Deepen your knowledge of Canadian reptiles and conservation through our expert-led programs.

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