Our Staff / Rebecca Kolarich

Rebecca Kolarich
Program Manager, Water
Rebecca’s love for nature started early on in her childhood while spending as much of her time outdoors exploring Ontario’s natural wonders with friends and family. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University. Throughout her career, Rebecca has gained experience producing advocacy campaigns that engage governments, partners, and community members in environmental issues with an emphasis on species at risk and habitat protection. From leading a citizen science project aiming to enhance protection for the threatened Eastern wolf, to safeguarding old-growth forests in Ontario’s north, Rebecca’s past work has only further fueled her passion for environmental protection. Rebecca is excited to continue to spread knowledge and awareness about the importance of preserving Ontario’s natural heritage through her work at Environmental Defence. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and beloved dog.
Read Rebecca's Posts
Aug 12, 2025
Celebrating #WeAreLakeErie Day With Small Steps to Recovery
Lake Erie is an ecological powerhouse and a truly remarkable ecosystem. Despite being the smallest…
Jul 29, 2025
Proposed Water Permitting Changes Threaten Ontario’s Freshwater
Once again, the provincial government is prioritizing industry over people and the environment. This time,…
Apr 22, 2025
Ford Government Backtracks on Promise to Require EA for Proposed Dresden Dump
Statement by Rebecca Kolarich, Water program manager Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of…
Mar 05, 2025
The Wonderful World of Wetlands in Winter
When I think of wetlands, my mind automatically travels to the warmer summer months. I…
Jan 29, 2025
Ontario’s Wetlands are Worth Protecting
This blog is part of our series outlining what we see as some of the…
Oct 02, 2024
The experience of exploring a wetland is like no other. The sounds of birds singing…
Sep 19, 2024
New Report: Highway 413 Would Have Devastating Impact on Critical GTA Watersheds
Report finds that Highway 413 would contaminate streams and rivers within the Humber River, Etobicoke…
Sep 17, 2024
Victory on the Shores of Lake Scugog: Port Perry Residents Block MZO, Protecting Sensitive Wetlands
Statement from Rebecca Kolarich, Water Program Manager, Environmental Defence Toronto | Traditional territories of the…
Aug 21, 2024
The Greater Toronto Area is hot and noisy and busy in the summer, but people…
Jul 23, 2024
Wetlands — what are they good for? (mitigating flooding)
Last week, Toronto experienced another “100 year storm” just 11 years after the previous one…