About Us

History

Mike started Pearson Ecological in 2001 while a graduate student at UBC. We remain a small operation specializing in field based projects involving freshwater fish, species at risk and aquatic habitat restoration. We work primarily in the Fraser Valley and frequently collaborate with First Nations, academic researchers, and non-profit organizations.

Our Commitments

  • Only take on projects that contribute to stewardship or conservation in some way
  • Work collaboratively with  Indigenous communities and organizations
  • Develop and use minimally-invasive methods of monitoring populations and habitats
  • Provide public access to our data and reports whenever possible

Mike Pearson

Agassiz, BC

Mike Pearson

Mike is our senior biologist, primary photographer and principal. He is a Registered Professional Biologist with 30 years of field experience. He completed a PhD at UBC in 2004 on the ecology of two endangered fish; Nooksack dace and Salish sucker.  He continues to lead many research and recovery projects focused on these species. Mike also has extensive experience in the design, construction and monitoring of habitat restoration and enhancement projects and is known for creating diverse, naturalistic habitats that benefit multiple species. He lives on the Fraser River near Agassiz.

Mike Leon

Mike Leon

Mike is our Senior Field Technician with over 25 years of field experience in environmental and archeological monitoring and as a park ranger. He is former Chief at Katzie First Nation, and a lifelong hunter and  fisher.

Natasha Wilbrink

With a mysterious find…

Natasha Wilbrink

Natasha a Registered Biologist in Training with a Bachelors degree in Natural Resource Management from UNBC. She has over 5 years of experience in habitat restoration, and aquatic biology field work in the Fraser Valley.

Fernando Lessa

at Chilliwack Lake

Fernando Lessa

Fernando is not technically part of Pearson Ecological, but he is a close collaborator and certainly a part of this website! Many of the most beautiful images here are his, some taken in the field  with us, and some from his other adventures as a professional photographer.  More stunning images can be found in his new book,  Urban Salmon and at Fernando Lessa Photography