The ALDER Vision
Every decision we make on the landscape has an impact on our environment. Whether designing a backyard garden or restoring a wetland, we harness the solutions provided by nature to create eye-catching landscapes that support biodiversity and are resilient to climate change.
Why the name ALDER?
Alder trees are some of the most resilient species in the Pacific Northwest. After a disturbance, they’re the first to return to the landscape to repair the soil and re-create the conditions that other species require to grow. They are the natural healers and workhorses of our ecosystems, making these trees the perfect mascot for our company.
Our areas of expertise include climate
change adaptation, ecological restoration,
invasive species management, and restorative landscaping
Who is ALDER?
Lindsey Haist
Ecologist and Landscape Designer
Lindsey is a Vancouver Island born Restoration Ecologist and Landscape Designer. She combines a strong understanding of ecology with a passion for designing landscapes that restore nature on the West Coast. She started ALDER in 2018 to offer property owners an alternative to traditional landscaping. Lindsey works mostly behind the scenes on to design and coordinate ALDER’s installation and maintenance projects.
Kurstin Rispin
Lead Horticulturalist & Operations Manager
Kurstin coordinates the Alder Property Stewardship Program and is a wealth of knowledge of horticulture and PNW ecosystems. She first became interested in working with native plants following a summer spent working in Haida Gwaii, where she participated in surveys for important cultural and medicinal plants with members from the Haida Nation. Since then, she has worked in the nonprofit sector, for municipal governments, and at Vancouver Island University. She also completed her Horticultural practicum with ALDER in 2021 and 2022 while at university. She is excited to be working with plants in and around her hometown of Nanaimo on Snuneymuxw Territory. Her spare time is spent gardening at home, hiking with her dog Lou, or running around with her two young kids, Bowen and Ruby.
Emily Boyd
Landscaping & Restoration Technician/Ops Assistant
Emily is the backbone of Alder Operations – coordinating our tools and materials to make everything flow smoothly. With a keen interest in landscape construction, machine operation and the technical aspects of soil, plant health and ecology, Emily’s knowledge and drive to learn inspires everyone she works with. She also brings a solid sense of humour and curiosity to the crew that keeps us all laughing and learning. When she’s not at work, Emily is exploring local beaches and trails with her husky-mix Winnie.
Ronny Lekx
Landscaping & Restoration Technician – Summer Student
Ronny is a dedicated environmentalist, who is currently undertaking a BSc Majoring in Chemistry at Vancouver Island University, with a specialization in Environmental Chemistry. Through his agricultural experience and post-secondary education he has developed a keen interest and passion for a career in environmental remediation. As such, he aims to be at the forefront of restoring a rapidly changing and challenging environment. In his work with Alder, he brings a positive, uplifting attitude and shares his broad experience, impeccable work ethic, and willingness to learn, from the soil upwards.
