As parliamentarians across the country weigh an amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protections Act to make a healthy environment a human right, a small but mighty organization is fighting a similar fight in Vancouver for urban forests.
Not only does the Wondrous Tree Fellowship work to protect trees, they’re also advocating for a healthy future for the region.
The fellowship is hosting a TriCities Urban Forest Forum on March 7.
For Nancy Furness, who has a PhD in Plant Ecophysiology and represents the fellowship, the spirit of the event is “for stakeholders to work in a collaborative and supportive environment to achieve a positive outcome.”
Along with the Wondrous Tree Fellowship, the event is also sponsored by Burke Mountain Naturalists and Protect Coquitlam’s Urban Forests.
“Trees are critical to the well-being of our communities,” a press release for the forum reads. “A healthy urban forest provides valuable ecological services, mitigates effects of climate change, and is integral to our physical and mental health.”
The event recognizes the complex challenges compromising the health of Vancouver’s regional urban forest. These challenges include increased development, population pressures, and effects of a rapidly changing climate.
But the forum isn’t all about bad news. After all, the TriCities municipalities (Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam) are currently developing Urban Forest Management Plans.
“A robust Urban Forest Management Plan will ensure our communities enjoy the benefits of trees in the present and in the future,” the release continues. “Now is an ideal time for neighbouring municipalities to share successes and lessons learned.”
The event provides an opportunity for stakeholders of all areas — experts, elected representatives, city staff, arborists, environmental consultants, students, and members of the public — to share their thoughts on how, collectively, they can ensure a healthy future for the regional urban forest.
The forum will host four presenters in the field of urban forestry and forest management:
– Richard Boase − Environmental Sustainability (Operations), District of North Vancouver
– Lorien Nesbitt − Assistant Professor, Urban Forestry and Environmental Justice UBC
– Amelia Needoba − Principal and Senior Forester, Diamond Head Consulting
– Erika Mashig − Manager of Arboriculture, Horticulture, Parks & Open Space Planning, City of New Westminster
The TriCities Urban Forest Forum is slated to take place Tuesday, March 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The forum is located in Lecture Theatre Room A1470 on the Coquitlam Campus at Douglas College. But make sure to show up early, as doors open at 6 p.m. for networking opportunities and display booths presented by local environmental groups.
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