Nicola Jane Thomas is an award-winning ecological designer, educator, consultant and founder of Grand River Food Forestry, now celebrating 10 years. With more than 15 years of experience in permaculture, food forestry and community-based ecological work, Nicola has designed and developed more than 30 food forests and regenerative landscapes for communities, municipalities, schools, private clients and Indigenous partners.

Her work brings together food production, biodiversity, habitat and soil building while creating spaces for ecological restoration, community gathering and learning. Through design, education and public speaking, Nicola's work is grounded in a simple understanding: healthy communities and healthy ecosystems are deeply interconnected.