
Modern Day Guides
Enthusiastic, talented folks who bring experiences to life with their passion and knowledge.

Night Sky Specialist, Backyard Astronomer
Gary Boyle
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 80 radio and television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com
Areas of Expertise:
Everything night sky: stars, meteor showers, planets, the moon
Workshops They Lead:
Stars: The Key to Life
Outdoor Astronomy Basics

Algonquin Elder
Elder Jane Chartrand
Elder Jane Chartrand is an Algonquin grandmother, pipe carrier, and holder of the Eagle Staff. She grew up near the Madawaska River in Ontario. Her mother, Katherine and father Emmet, were both of Algonquin descent. At a young age, Jane lived in the village with her maternal Grandmother, Nokomis. Her Nokomis taught her the traditions and beliefs of the Algonquin people. It was through Nokomis’s elaborate storytelling that Jane was told the tales that she now retells.
Areas of Expertise:
Indigenous, land-based learning
Workshops They Lead:
Night Visioning, Medicine Walk

Night Sky and Meteor Shower Guide
Caroline El-Khoury
Caroline is a world traveler and University of Toronto graduate with a rich background in physics and astronomy, where she conducted research on pulsars and their significant role in understanding the universe. and participated in an internship at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). Caroline is a fan favourite at Four Corners Algonquin where she combines her scientific rigor with a passion for outdoor adventures to inspire and educate all ages about the cosmos. Caroline is certified in Wilderness First Aid. Join Caroline for an out-of-this-world experience gazing at the stars at our outdoor theatre!
Areas of Expertise:
Astronomy, Astrophotography, Environmental Education, Ontario K-12 Curriculum,
Workshops They Lead:
Stargazing tours, Guided hikes, Perseid Meteor Shower events

Nature and Citizen Science Guide
Ranger Em
Emily Febrey, also known as Ranger Em, is on a mission to connect people with the wonders of the natural world. As the creator and host of the popular YouTube show Learn with Ranger Em, she combines curiosity, humour, and a knack for asking the questions we’re all secretly wondering to bring audiences closer to the experts shaping conservation today. Whether through the lens of a camera or the soles of hiking boots, Ranger Em connects everyday nature lovers to the science behind the scenes. When she’s not in front of the camera or interviewing experts, you can find her exploring trails with her four-legged pal, Finnigan on impromptu wildlife-spotting adventures. Passionate, approachable, and always ready with a fun fact about an animal or plant, Ranger Em invites everyone to join her in learning about and curating an appreciation for nature.
Areas of Expertise:
Environmental Education, Ontario K-12 curriculum, fun facts, Environmental Sciences & Sustainability
Workshops They Lead:
Turtles, Wetlands, Aquatic, Bats, Species at risk, Nature at Night

Nature and Wellbeing
Marilyn Zehr
Marilyn has spent over 40 years connecting people of all ages with the land and forest. She feels most spiritually and physically alive outdoors and creates safe and invitational opportunities for others to experience that aliveness too. She is fond of saying that “the land and forest take care of us” more than we could ever possibly take care of them. Take a guided walk with Marilyn and you may become reacquainted with parts of the land and yourself that you’ve never known or forgotten. Marilyn cultivates her own deep land and forest connection at Rise Above Guest House near Maynooth, where she lives and regularly facilitates retreats and gatherings.
Areas of Expertise:
Forest Therapy Guide, Eco-spiritual companion, Co-founder of Cathedral of the Trees, Retreat Leader, Ordained minister in the United Church of Canada.
Workshops They Lead:
Guided forest bathing