Credit Isobel Ralston
About Us
The MapleCross Story
MapleCross is based in Ontario, Canada
Dr. Jan Oudenes and Dr. Isobel Ralston established the MapleCross fund upon exiting their respective business careers in 2017. They have had the opportunity to travel widely, together developing an understanding and respect of the Canadian wilderness. From hiking the Rocky Mountains and canoeing in Ontario and on the South Nahanni River (Northwest Territories) to quietly appreciating the forest on their own property, Isobel and Jan have become increasingly aware not only of nature’s beauty and splendour, but also its fragility. They created MapleCross with the intention to invest in and protect ecologically sensitive land, preserving natural features and biological diversity for generations to come. The environmental changes caused by humankind, directly and indirectly, have been staggering. Beyond the contributions of MapleCross itself, Jan and Isobel hope that this endeavour will inspire others to direct their own efforts and contributions to safeguarding our irreplaceable planet.
Jan Oudenes, Ph.D.
Jan studied at the Rijksuniversiteit Leiden in The Netherlands where he earned a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in chemistry. In 1974 he moved to Edmonton and completed his studies towards a Ph.D. in chemistry at The University of Alberta. After postdoctoral studies at the E.T.H. in Switzerland, he settled in Ontario where he has managed and/or owned companies in the field of research, development and manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In 2017 he retired from his professional endeavours and started MapleCross together with Isobel.
Jan immigrated to Canada to further his studies, but he was also attracted to Canada’s nature and wilderness. The many visits to the Rocky Mountains, canoeing in Ontario and outdoor ventures in the Yukon and the South Nahanni River further engrained in him the magic of Canada. Ultimately, this appreciation has led to the establishment of MapleCross.
Isobel M. Ralston, Ph.D.
Isobel holds B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from Western University and the University of Alberta, respectively, and spent several years as a researcher at the Universität Zürich. She has approximately 30 years’ experience in global drug development and has held senior research and management positions in international pharmaceutical companies.
Isobel’s appreciation of nature grew during childhood camping trips across Canada with her family. She and Jan have backpacked, hiked and canoed in various regions of Canada and frequently cycle near their home and in Europe. On a daily basis, the forest adjoining their home continues to be a source of fascination and amazement!
Our Advisory Team
Chris Ballard
Chris has a history of supporting environmental and land use causes, most recently as the Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change implementing the government’s plan for a clean environment and a sustainable economy. He also served as the Minister of Housing and the Minister responsible for Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Chris is a former municipal councillor in Aurora, Ontario. He is past CEO of Passive House Canada and currently consults with communities and organizations looking to build high-performance, affordable housing. His leadership in journalism, communications and public affairs includes terms as President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada and President of the Consumers Council of Canada. Chris’ favourite activities always involve being outdoors in nature.
Ian Buchanan
Ian has a B.Sc. Fish and Wildlife Management from the University of Guelph and a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership Schulich School of Business, York University.
Ian has over 40 years of environmental management experience and has been the Senior Advisor to the MapleCross Fund since 2019. His career includes 17 years as the Manager Natural Heritage and Forestry at York Region Ontario, managing the Urban Forest, invasive species, and the York Regional Forest. Ian also worked 18 years with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as ecologist, and Manager Fish and Wildlife. He has solid experience in conservation land management and has spoken on environmental matters to both the Canadian Parliament, House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment, and the Senate. He was an Associate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, Vice President and Director with the Ontario Forestry Association, and a Director with the Invasive Species Centre and Forests Ontario. He enjoys being out on the trails or on the water and continues to learn from nature.
Machtelt Oudenes
Machtelt is an advisor on environmental law, climate change and carbon market mechanisms, working for international and European organisations, and public authorities across the world. She has over 20 years’ experience in drafting environmental legislation and regulatory guidance, evaluating implementation of policies and giving legal advice. Previously, Machtelt was a legal and policy advisor for the Climate and Sustainability Group at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and a legal researcher at the University of Leiden. Machtelt holds a Master of Law in International, European and Environmental Law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. Her love for nature started at an early age and has grown over time while hiking in the mountains, cycling through Dutch landscapes and visiting the breathtaking nature reserves in Canada.
Bill Ralston
Bill currently lives in Vancouver, BC and works as an Environmental Coordinator. As an avid hiker, surfer, canoer and camper, Bill spends most of his spare time exploring the outdoors in Canada and abroad. These experiences have resulted in a deep appreciation of nature, its benefits to mental health and the increasing need to protect and preserve our ecosystems. Bill is studying in the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership program at the University of British Columbia, where his capstone project is exploring how global and national biodiversity indicators can be implemented at the urban scale to advance ecological integrity in cities. Bill is thrilled to be a part of the MapleCross journey and supports MapleCross’ vision of inspiring others in land conservation.
