Ottawa, ON—Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) is pleased to announce Peggy McDougall, RPF Ret-SK, as the recipient of the 2026 Christopher Lee Memorial Scholarship, recognizing her commitment to forestry education and supporting her graduate research into innovative approaches to building forest literacy.
McDougall is a retired forestry professional with more than 35 years of experience in the sector. She is currently a high school librarian and a part-time Master of Science in Forestry student at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). A seventh-generation woodlot owner in New Brunswick, she brings to her studies a lifelong connection to forest stewardship, combined with extensive professional experience and a passion for public education.
McDougall’s thesis advisor, Dr. Meng Gong, PhD, PEng, FIAWS, of UNB’s Wood Science and Technology Center and Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, strongly recommended her for the scholarship.
“Ms. McDougall is very passionate about her forestry education and career,” Dr. Gong wrote in his letter of support. “Her graduate studies will demonstrate how a forest library/museum can be a space to advocate for forestry by sharing the diverse values and products that our forests provide.”
McDougall’s thesis project will explore the development of a forest library and museum as a space for multi-level education and public engagement with forestry. Her research will examine how such a facility could help Canadians better understand forests, forestry and the diverse ecological, social and economic values and products that forests provide.
McDougall’s interest in forest literacy grew from her decades of experience in forestry and her work in public education. Throughout her career, she has promoted forestry through classroom visits, woods tours, public reviews of forest management plans, industry committees and community initiatives. As a high school librarian, she has also seen the importance of providing young people with opportunities to develop an understanding of forests and the professionals who manage them.
“One of the questions I have been asked most often throughout my career is, ‘What do foresters do?’” said McDougall. “I want to find new and engaging ways to help people understand forests, forestry and the important role forests play in our communities.”
The proposed forest library/museum would be designed as a year-round, publicly accessible space where people could learn about forests in an interactive setting. McDougall’s research will examine potential partnerships, educational programming, building design, biophilic design and the practical requirements of bringing forest elements into an educational environment.
“Peggy’s combination of forestry experience, academic commitment and passion for public education makes her an excellent recipient of this year’s scholarship,” said Andrew de Vries, CEO of Canadian Forest Owners. “Her research addresses an important issue for the future of forestry. We need Canadians to understand not only the importance of forests, but also the people, knowledge and responsible management practices that sustain them.”
It is particularly fitting that this year’s scholarship recognizes research focused on forest literacy. The recent Forest Sector Transformation Task Force identified rebuilding a national forest culture as a priority for Canada, including through education, communication and partnerships with educational institutions.
De Vries noted, “Peggy’s work is a terrific example of how we can start building that culture from the ground up by helping Canadians better understand their forests and the people who work to sustain them.”
Honouring Christopher Lee
The Christopher Lee Memorial Scholarship was established to honour the memory of Christopher Lee and his contribution to Canada’s forestry community. The scholarship supports students pursuing education and research that will contribute to the future of forestry in Canada.
CFO extends its sincere appreciation to Christopher's wife, Bonnie Lee, for her generous support of the scholarship. Her commitment has made it possible to continue Christopher’s legacy by investing in students who are helping shape the future of Canada’s forest sector.
“Bonnie’s generosity allows us to honour Christopher’s memory in a way that looks firmly toward the future,” said de Vries. “We are deeply grateful for her continued support of this scholarship and for the opportunity it provides to students who are passionate about forestry.”
CFO congratulates Peggy McDougall on receiving the 2026 Christopher Lee Memorial Scholarship and looks forward to following her research and its contribution to forest education, public engagement and a greater understanding of Canada’s forests.
About Canadian Forest Owners
Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) is the national voice for Canada's private forest owners. CFO represents private forest owners and provincial forest owner associations across Canada and advocates for policies and programs that recognize the economic, environmental and social contributions of privately owned forests.
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