Catherine Levesque – Secretary
Catherine grew up in Quebec and always liked to explore new trails, ridge lines and forests. She came to BC over 10 years ago to plant trees and fell in love with the wild flowers, mountains and landscapes. She pursued studies in forestry which allows her to follow the evolution of the blooming flowers though the summer. In Nelson since 2019, she has found a passion for gardening and she wants to support resilient native plant ecosystems in the Kootenays.
Jarra Ford – Treasurer
Jarra Ford brings a passion for environmental conservation plus a wealth of financial expertise to her role as Treasurer of the board of the Kootenay Native Plant Society. Influenced by her family’s love of the natural world, Jarra’s upbringing on Vancouver Island instilled in her a profound connection with nature at a young age.
Spending time in gardens, in the forest, or walking along the beach has always been a sanctuary for Jarra, a place where she finds solace and peace. Seeing the first blooms of spring brings a sense of something she calls “garden joy”, borrowing from Mychal Threets. This connection to the beauty and resilience of nature fuels her dedication to preserving native plants and cultivating sustainable landscapes within the Kootenay region.
Jarra Ford’s leadership as Treasurer is characterized by her commitment to sustainability, her Chartered Professional Accounting designation, and 25+ years’ professional experience in financial stewardship – a combination that continues to drive positive change within the Kootenay Native Plant Society.