Our history began with the Parks Research Forum of Ontario in 1996. The Parks Research Forum was established in response to a need for scientific information and approaches to support the understanding and planning of parks and protected areas.
The forum was developed as an effective means of sharing research and information. An annual meeting would be a means to report upon and learn of new research. A research directory and email network were established to connect and inspire collaboration. This early model of shared knowledge has been since emulated in three provinces.
As the Parks Research Forum progressed, it began to focus its effort and resources on publishing proceedings for the forum which may be found in our Publications archives.
By 2009, there was more interest and incentive to promote real-time learning and research applications. CASIOPA was created and shifted the focus to more active research, applications of research, workshops and an annual conference.
The Inspiring Collective
The Parks Research Forum of Ontario was established by a committed collective of academics and conservationists. Gordon Nelson, a retired academic from the University of Waterloo
founded the Forum with support from:
The collective grew and was supported by a Steering Committee that created an inspiring and progressive platform for parks and protected areas research:
We would like to play tribute to Michael Troughton from Western University. Michael has passed away and is deeply missed by his friends and colleagues at the CASIOPA and the PRFO.
The collective was supported by then-students Ken van Osch, Stephanie Janetos, Chris Lemieux and Jim Porter.