Team
Robert Orland
President & Founder
Robert has more than 24 years of experience in land and water conservation. He began his conservation career with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and worked in a variety of positions and departments before specializing in land securement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada beginning in 1999. He facilitated the protection of more than 25 environmentally significant nature preserves throughout Ontario by negotiating land donations and purchases with landowners. In 2003, he founded Orland Conservation to provide a range of environmental services for the public and private sector. A skilled strategist and accomplished entrepreneur, Robert is committed to making a sound contribution to the conservation and sustainability movement in Canada and abroad.
Michelle Albanese, MSc
Senior Conservation Specialist
Since 2005 Michelle has been the Senior Conservation Specialist with Orland Conservation. Previously Michelle served as National Program Coordinator of Conservation Practices for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Michelle specializes in environmental project design and implementation, public outreach and education and has over 10 years of experience in developing strategies and sustainability programs to protect resources and natural heritage for municipalities, conservation authorities and non-government organizations. She has successfully coordinated and facilitated multi-stakeholder forums, workshops and educational community events. A resourceful and dedicated project manager, bringing together diverse groups and individuals to collaborate toward common environmental goals is Michelle’s specialty.
Karen Abel, MES
Conservation Specialist & Graphic Designer
Karen was previously a Natural Heritage Coordinator with the Ontario Heritage Trust. She has more than 10 years of experience in conservation including work with the Walpole Island First Nation Heritage Centre, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Ontario Streams, Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Ontario Museum and non-profit conservation organizations overseas. Karen specializes in native plant ecology, naturalization, habitat restoration and stewardship. She has cultivated a unique academic and professional background in conservation, visual art and design which led to an additional role with the company as Graphic Designer.
Julianna van Adrichem, BAH
Conservation Technician
Julianna began working with the University of Guelph in 2005 where she advanced the University’s recycling system and developed the 2007 Waste Reduction Work Plan based on an extensive audit of existing waste management facilities. Later she worked for the City of Guelph’s Solid Waste Resources Department and produced the Paint Plus Reuse Program and the Take It Back directory. Julianna was a member of the City of Guelph’s Waste Management Master Plan Steering Committee and has contributed to a number of sustainability projects in Guelph.
Kate Potter, BAH Geography
Conservation Outreach & Education
Kate brings more than seven years of experience in environmental project management, public outreach and multi-stakeholder engagement. She previously led a watershed stewardship and outreach project with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and coordinated the Caring for the Moraine Project with the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation. Kate has volunteered with two Ontario Stewardship councils and is particularly skilled in partnership-building, landowner outreach and contributing to community-based conservation initiatives. She enjoys living in eastern Durham Region with her family.
