Heather Schibli completed her first degree in Fine Arts and has since begun the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Guelph. Heather has a passion for ecology and an appreciation for nature, which is evident in her master’s work.

“I have always been interested in design and object-making alongside sustainability and ecology. I believe landscape architecture can better provide the perfect platform for incorporating design thinking with sustainability.” – Heather Schibli

Through the MLA program, Heather has been able to meld her interest in sustainability with that of design. In her landscape plans, she is cognoscente of utilizing native plant species given their importance for herbivore insects. The primary focus of Heather’s thesis research is to expand and improve aggregate site rehabilitation across multiple properties within the Oak Ridges Moraine, allowing for more comprehensive integration into existing natural systems and agricultural practices.

To share her interest in design and the environment, Heather is introducing a student chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER). SER is a non-profit organization comprised of individuals and partner organizations from around the world who are actively engaged in the repair and recovery of degraded ecosystems to restore the earth’s ecological balance for the benefit of humans and nature. The student chapter Heather is introducing to campus invites students from the landscape architecture, rural planning, environmental biology, integrative biology and plant science programs to work together on restoration initiatives in the Arboretum, on campus and throughout the Guelph community.

After graduation, Heather plans to work as a landscape architect with hopes of continuing to share her message of creating environments that meet human needs while being favorable to natural environments.

Posted on September 18, 2014