Meet The CPPFE Team
At the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE), our work is powered by a dedicated team of fire ecologists, communications specialists, and land management experts. We are passionate about restoring fire to its natural role on the landscape, supporting safe prescribed burn practices, and building resilient grassland ecosystems across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Renny.W. Grilz, PAg (Distinguished)
Director of Conservation, Meewasin Valley Authority
Managing Partner, Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange
Renny . W. Grilz is the Managing Partner of the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE) and Director of Conservation with the Meewasin Valley Authority. As the host organization and managing partner of CPPFE, Meewasin provides leadership in advancing prescribed fire training, partnership development, research, and knowledge sharing across the Canadian Prairies. In addition to serving as Managing Partner of CPPFE, Renny is a Distinguished Agrologist and Meewasin's Prescribed Fire Lead, overseeing the organization's prescribed fire program and integrating fire as a tool for ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, invasive species management, and healthy prairie landscapes.
For more than 30 years, Renny has worked in prairie conservation, specializing in prescribed fire, ecological restoration, invasive species management, targeted grazing, and native seed development. Through CPPFE, he works with partners across the Canadian Prairies and the Great Plains of the United States to build prescribed fire capacity through training, research, and collaborative land stewardship. He is passionate about bringing people together to restore resilient prairie landscapes while supporting healthy communities and reducing wildfire risk.
A lifelong student of fire and grassland ecology, Renny enjoys spending time in the field, mentoring the next generation of practitioners, and growing Saskatchewan native wildflowers with his family.
Roy Vera Velez, PhD
Prescribed Fire Science Coordinator & Grassland Ecologist, CPPFE
Roy Vera Velez is the Prescribed Fire Science Coordinator and Grassland Ecologist with the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE) at Meewasin in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Grassland and Fire Ecology, where he investigated the ecological interactions among prescribed fire, grazing, and plant communities.
His work focuses on advancing the science and application of prescribed fire to restore and conserve prairie ecosystems across the Canadian Prairies. He collaborates with researchers, land managers, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to develop science-based approaches for grassland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and adaptive management. His research interests include fire ecology, plant community dynamics, invasive species, vegetation monitoring, and fire–grazing interactions. He is passionate about building partnerships that bridge research and practice to support resilient, healthy grassland ecosystems.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, hanging out with his cats and friends.
Tobi Oyedele, PhD, PAg
Communications Coordinator, CPPFE
Tobi Oyedele is the Communications Coordinator for the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE), where she shares the stories, science, and people behind prescribed fire across the Canadian Prairies. She develops communication strategies and engaging content that help diverse audiences understand how prescribed fire supports healthy grasslands, biodiversity, and more resilient landscapes.
With a PhD in Development and Strategic Communications and a background in agriculture, education, and strategic communications, Tobi is passionate about making complex environmental topics accessible and meaningful. She enjoys working with practitioners, researchers, Indigenous partners, land managers, and communities to highlight collaborative conservation efforts and inspire greater appreciation for prairie ecosystems.
When she isn't crafting stories or creating content, Tobi enjoys exploring Saskatchewan's prairies, discovering local parks and trails, reading, and finding creative ways to connect people with nature.
Jacob Murphy
Resource Management Assistant, CPPFE
Jacob Murphy was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. After graduating from Aden Bowman Collegiate, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Driven by a passion for the natural world, he later returned to the university to pursue a second degree in Environmental Biology. During his time as a student-athlete at the U of S, he represented the Huskies on the track and field team, competing in sprint events. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, he enjoys playing and watching sports, exploring the outdoors, capturing wildlife photography, and drawing.
Jacob has been with the Meewasin Valley Authority for five years, serving three years on the construction team before transitioning to his current role with the Canadian Prairie Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE). His responsibilities span field research, laboratory analysis, data management, and investigating the ecological impacts of prescribed burns. His primary conservation focus centers on protecting prairie wildlife and native habitats-with a strong emphasis on grassland birds-as well as restoring natural grasslands through controlled fire management.
Aisha Adelah
Resource Management Assistant, CPPFE
Aisha Adelah joined the CPPFE as a Resource Management Assistant/ summer student in 2025. She has a background in geography, sustainability, and education, and has always been drawn to the outdoors, a passion that led her into prairie conservation work. She works on field monitoring activities, collecting plant and soil samples to support prescribed burn operations, and contributes to research for maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems.
At the core of her work is caring for the land, the people on it, and all life forms.
Outside of work, Aisha loves to travel, volunteer with conservation initiatives, mentor young pupils, and spend time with family and friends.
What Drives Us
Our Commitment
Safety First
Providing standardized training and clear smoke management guidelines so every burn is executed responsibly.
Science & Practice
Connecting academic research from universities with practical, on-the-ground burn experience.
Community Collaboration
Empowering local landowner burn associations and regional partners to share tools, insurance, and labor.
Want to Work with Us?
Whether you're looking to host a local workshop, explore a research partnership, or learn more about safe burn planning on your land, we’re here to help.