Matt Iles

Matthew brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and ecology, with a path that has taken him from the misty, moss-covered valleys of Wales to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest and the rich ecosystems of the Great Lakes bioregion. A devoted naturalist, he finds daily joy in observing and connecting with birds—tracking their migrations, studying their nesting habits, and listening closely to the stories woven into their songs.

His curiosity doesn’t stop with birds. Matthew delights in discovering insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mushrooms, and rarely misses an opportunity to follow a promising track through the forest.

At the Guelph Outdoor School, Matthew turns his scientific background inside-out—embracing storytelling, the art of questioning, and natural crafts as ways to ignite wonder and deepen relationships with the land.

He is a beloved presence at kids’ programs and the steady hand behind On the Wing, our long-running birding workshop series.

Matt’s enduring kindness, humility, patience, and professionalism shine through in all he does, making him an invaluable part of our team.