Balsam Woolly Adelgid Updates
November 4, 2024
Meet the Team!
Our team brings together a wide range of expertise, experience, and commitment to support the Christmas tree industry in Nova Scotia. Whether it’s helping growers tackle pests, improve tree health, enhance fertility, or navigate the business side of things, we’re here to help the industry thrive.
Our research team is available to discuss everything from tree health and pest management to weed control, fertility solutions, and guidance for new growers. With a robust lineup of research projects, we’re dedicated to advancing the knowledge and resources that help our industry succeed.
Meanwhile, our office staff provides invaluable support with business operations, marketing, resource connections, and networking opportunities. If there’s something we don’t know, we’ll connect you with someone who does!
Feel free to reach out anytime with questions, concerns, or ideas—we’re here to support you and help the Christmas tree industry grow stronger every season.
Brittany Frenette is the General Manager of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia (CTCNS), where she has been an integral part since December 2017. Brittany’s role encompasses managing outreach and organizational initiatives, including event planning and coordinating the quarterly Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Journal.
With a strong background in Health & Human Services and extensive experience in Program Development and Management, she brings a wealth of expertise to CTCNS. Her work focuses on promoting the Christmas tree industry, liaising with stakeholders, and providing support to Christmas tree and greenery producers across Nova Scotia.
Lienna Hoeg is the Christmas Tree Specialist with Perennia Food & Agriculture Inc., in partnership with the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia. She works with the members of the Research Team to establish, maintain, and collect data on various research sites throughout the province. Lienna provides in-field services for Christmas Tree growers and helps develop resources. Lienna specializes in vegetation management and routinely presents on integrated pest management practices to Christmas tree growers.
Lienna obtained a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree from the University of New Brunswick in 2019. She is now a MSc in Agriculture Candidate, with a focus on Vegetation Management from Dalhousie University. Her project focuses on the development of phenological models and management strategies for narrow leaf golden rod in lowbush blueberry fields. Previous to working with the Christmas Tree Council, Lienna has worked as a Silviculture Assistant and Forest Resource Worker. She has also held numerous positions as a Research Assistant, working with vegetation management, aphid research, and native pollinator research. In 2021, she obtained her Articling Agrologist designation as well as a Certificate in Nutrient Management Planning. Lienna also holds a Pesticide Applicators License and Good Agriculture Collection Practices Certificate.
Andee Weatherby serves as the Research Manager for the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, where she collaborates closely with growers and council members to collect, compile, and analyze essential field data. She also provides in-field support to growers, offering services like soil sampling and consultations for new entrants.
Born and raised in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Andee holds a Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma from the College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland. Growing up on a small farm, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of agriculture. Her love for the natural world—fostered through activities like fishing and hunting—along with her hands-on farm experience, fuels her passion for supporting the Christmas tree industry. Andee is dedicated to helping growers maximize yields while promoting sustainable practices to preserve the industry for future generations.
Fraser Macnab is the Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator for the Christmas Tree Council of
Nova Scotia (CTCNS), where he works to strengthen and enhance the sector's resilience to
climate change. He holds degrees from Mount Allison University and Acadia University,
focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Since joining CTCNS, Fraser has been actively implementing the climate change adaptation
strategy developed for the Christmas tree industry. His work includes the development and
implementation of projects designed to assist growers and stakeholders in adapting and
navigating climate-related challenges within the sector. Fraser is dedicated to the resilience and
sustainability of the Christmas tree industry, and he is always prepared to support growers and
stakeholders in any way necessary.
Alisha Morrison joined the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia (CTCNS) in late spring 2024, bringing her extensive experience and enthusiasm to her role as Resource Manager. Alisha is deeply passionate about supporting and strengthening the local Christmas tree industry.
In her role she manages CTCNS’s social media presence, developing engaging posts and content that promote the industry and showcase the stories behind Nova Scotia’s Christmas tree growers. She also revitalizes existing documents, ensuring that they remain relevant, informative, and visually appealing. Alisha’s attention to detail and creativity help bring these resources to life. In addition to her responsibilities as Resource Manager, Alisha works closely with the General Manager and CTCNS team, taking on projects that support the Council’s mission.
Luke Maclaughlin, Research Technician.
Taryn Miller joined the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia (CTCNS) as an Administrative Assistant in the summer of 2024. With a strong background in administration and experience supporting construction companies in Nunavut and Nova Scotia, Taryn brings a wealth of organizational skills to the Council. In her role, she assists with day-to-day management and supports the CTCNS research initiatives that help Christmas tree growers across the province.
A lover of the Christmas season, Taryn has long cherished the family tradition of visiting Christmas tree U-pick farms every holiday. When the opportunity arose to work in the industry she loves, Taryn jumped at the chance. Behind the scenes at CTCNS, she now plays a vital part in bringing the joy of Christmas to others, and she’s excited to be a part of an industry that brings families together each season.
Head Office
PO Box 38 Tatamagouche
Nova Scotia, CANADA, B0K 1V0
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1-855-NSBALSA (1-855-672-2572)
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