Autumn Contributors

Don Scallen

In The Hills resident naturalist Don Scallen is passionate about nature in all its kaleidoscopic diversity. Don taught middle-school science for more than 20 years, allowing him to share his love of nature with children. In 2020 Don published his first book, Nature Where We Live: Activities to Engage Your Inner Scientist from Pond Dipping to Animal Tracking, with kids in mind. In this issue,

Don explores seven species of birds, insects and other wildlife that would be affected by development on or near the Greenbelt. Between issues his “Notes from the Wild” blog at inthehills.ca highlights species he’s observing in season — most recently carnivorous plants (!) and warblers. In addition to writing for In The Hills, Don provides presentations and workshops, including an upcoming Headwaters Nature talk on “Ontario Turtles,” Tuesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Orangeville and District Seniors Centre.

Alison McGill

Alison is an award-winning editor, writer, brand strategist and podcast host. She is the former editor-in-chief of Weddingbells and is a contributor to other print and digital publications, including The Kit. Alison hosts a wedding and lifestyle podcast, Aisle Seat, and is a frequent guest on TV’s CityLine, Breakfast Television and The Social. Although her media career has always been city-based, home is in the countryside of Halton Hills.

For In The Hills, Alison has tapped that country life, contributing stories on rural tax incentives, country wells and composting. In this issue she returns to the land of tulle and love with “Nuptials in Nature,” examining the trend toward eco-conscious weddings in country settings. Alison found couples are increasingly looking for ways to shrink their environmental impact by choosing local flowers, decorating with secondhand finds, and considering the carbon footprint of everything from rental furniture to wedding dresses.

Rebecca Weston

First-time In The Hills writer Rebecca Weston grew up in Caledon, which she says fostered her deep love for nature. As Rebecca’s passion for environmental awareness grew, so did her need to inform others of both pressing issues and positive change.

This passion and love for storytelling is what inspired Rebecca to study journalism at Carleton University. In 2022, Rebecca graduated with an honours bachelor of journalism degree with a minor in human rights and social justice. She is currently completing her master of journalism degree. Rebecca has worked for various news organizations, including The Globe and Mail and the Windsor Star.

After living in Ottawa for the last five years, Rebecca is enjoying being home in Bolton. In this issue she meets Belfountain potter Wendy Mitchell-Burke to learn about the craft. Rebecca also visits Jeff Hamilton, who brought a fire-damaged Victorian house back to life in Shelburne.