Joanne Smith - Director

Joanne Smith’s love of a healthy, natural, unspoiled environment led her and her husband, Clarke, to retire to Muskoka from a rural property in King Township. Studies at Western University earned her an Honours Zoology degree, a Specialist in Environmental Science, and an Education Certification at Althouse College, primed by her interest in teaching various lab courses at Western U. She taught Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science at Thornlea SS, King City SS, and later Scientists in School (Grade 5 environmental programs). Her hands-on courses and Enviro Club encouraged students and staff to initiate “Action Projects'' to protect and enhance the community environment. Beyond her teaching career have been many years of volunteer involvement with the King Environmental Advisory Committee (Board), Girl Guides of Canada (Leader at 3 levels, currently Trefoil Guild), The Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection (Board), The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (Board & Member of several committees), Gull & Silver Lakes Residents Association (Board & Environmental Chair), Schomberg Fair Antiques Committee (Chair), Schomberg Horticultural Society, and Gravenhurst Against Poverty. Joanne’s other interests include natural gardening, music (most recently the ukulele group called H11CUPS), creative cooking, thrifting with creative re-use, healthy products and lifestyle, canoes/kayaks, travels, and above all, spending time with her family.