When: Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 12 – 1 pm Where: Forest Sciences Centre 4001 (boardroom)
This event is open to all and will be held in person only.
Seminar Abstract
In this research seminar, William will share the legal and policy context for bringing good fire – or low intensity fire – back to landscapes in British Columbia. Low intensity fires that are deliberately lit in cooler months, can reduce fuels on landscapes in the summer months – potentially mitigating the intensity and severity of summer wildfires. The focus of this seminar will be on Indigenous fire stewardship (IFS), a form of good fire, which is being revitalized in places across the province. The goal of this seminar is to bring insight to how the legal and policy context interacts with IFS – and to illustrate the consequences from different arrangements.
Speaker
Dr. Nikolakis is an assistant professor of Indigenous Land and Natural Resources Governance. He practices law in British Columbia, and practiced in Australia. His focus is on the intersection between Aboriginal rights and natural resources law. He has been working with Aboriginal organizations, governments and corporations in Australia and Canada to help achieve their objectives, including gaining greater control over their economies and natural resources, and designing governance mechanisms to support these objectives.
Join us for a rare Haida Gwaii Institute (HGI) info session on UBC’s Vancouver campus. Learn how HGI delivers immersive, place-based education that connects students to community and environment.
Enjoy a pizza lunch while you hear from the Director of HGI and program alumni, who will share first-hand stories about this unique learning experience. Bring your questions, meet future classmates, and start building connections.
About Haida Gwaii Semesters
These semesters are intensive, 13 week programs designed for senior level undergraduate students from a wide range of universities and disciplines. Each semester provides a full course load, including four courses that run in successive blocks over three weeks, and a fifth weekly seminar that runs throughout the entire program. In addition to in-class lectures and course work, students will also explore the incredible natural environments of Haida Gwaii, meet with local experts and knowledge holders, and become immersed in the Haida Gwaii community.
Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the HGI team:
Join this info session to learn more about UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s online Forest Carbon Management (FCM) and Forest Carbon Modeling (FCMo) micro-certificate programs. These programs equip professionals with the skills to assess and apply forest carbon accounting, understand project design and markets, and develop practical forest carbon modeling expertise for applications such as GHG inventories, offset projects, and sustainable forest management.
Hear from the program instructors and program director and ask your questions.
About Online Micro-Certificates
Designed for working professionals, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s wide array of micro-certificate programs offers an accessible way to build your skills, engage with industry leaders, and advance your career. Delivered fully online, these micro-certificates provide high-quality, industry-aligned forestry education accessible across Canada.
All of our micro-certificate programs qualify for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which provides up to $3,500 for eligible short-term training.
With extensive experience in large-scale climate vulnerability assessments across different sectors and organizations, Dr. Andrews-Key brings her expertise in the development and implementation of adaptation, specifically as applied to business cases for adaptation across all sectors. She is passionate about exploring how we can bridge science, theory and action to provide students with the comprehensive and applied knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.
Trevor Gareth Jones, FCM Lead Instructor / FCMo Program Advisor trevor.jones@ubc.ca
Dr. Trevor Gareth Jones is the lead developer and instructor of the Forest Carbon Management program and Program Advisor for the Forest Carbon Modeling program. He brings extensive global experience in forest carbon projects and a strong background in education and training, and currently serves as Blue Forests & Geospatial Adviser at Blue Ventures and Forest Carbon Science Lead at Tayo Climate Partners.
Kyle Melnick, FCMo Lead Instructor / FCM Assistant Instructor kyle.melnick@ubc.ca
Kyle Melnick is the lead developer and instructor of the Forest Carbon Modeling program and an assistant instructor for the Forest Carbon Management program. He specializes in remote sensing and forest carbon modeling, with extensive experience applying carbon data and modeling tools to nature-based climate solutions, forest carbon projects, and sustainable forest management in Canada.
Associate Dean, Students and Professor Scott Hinch, Dean Rob Kozak and Associate Professor Janette Bulkan. Credit: UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The University of British Columbia is renaming its Faculty of Forestry to the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, marking a significant step in the evolution of one of Canada’s leading centres for environmental research, education and innovation.
The change recognizes a shift underway across Canada and around the world: managing forests alone is no longer enough to solve today’s environmental challenges. Climate change, intensifying wildfires and floods, clean water scarcity, food insecurity, and accelerating biodiversity loss all threaten ecosystems and livelihoods alike. Responding to these crises requires ethical, responsible and sustainable management systems grounded in conservation, respect and education – this is environmental stewardship.
Leading innovation in climate and biodiversity action
Environmental stewardship reflects the faculty’s expanded role in climate adaptation, wildfire resilience, flood prevention, water and watershed protection, urban greening, food security, biodiversity conservation and management, greenspace management, environmental equity and the fast-growing low-carbon bioeconomy.
“Over the past 30 years, student numbers have doubled and so have our faculty members,” says Dean Rob Kozak. “Many of whom are world leaders in solution-based research and education – from conservation science and landscape ecology to genetics, fire sciences, forestry, fisheries, bio-products, mass-timber construction and Indigenous resource governance.”
This shift mirrors a broader trend across Canada’s postsecondary sector, where universities are rethinking how they train environmental leaders. Graduates now enter a rapidly evolving workforce that requires transdisciplinary skills across conservation, ecology, chemistry, genetics, sociology, engineering, economics, and technology.
“There was a time when traditional university programs in forestry produced professionals who were skilled in managing our forests and wild spaces, but today’s solutions demand additional kinds of expertise and new kinds of environmental programs,” says Associate Dean, Students and Professor Scott Hinch. “The faculty has been rapidly transforming its teaching programs to train the specialists and leaders society needs to meet the environmental challenges of our time.”
Older programs have been re-envisioned, while new programs have been launched to deliver cutting-edge, experiential and transdisciplinary education. The new BSc degree in Natural Resources integrates science, engineering, technology and business with students majoring in conservation, bioeconomy, wood products, forest sciences or forestry. The programs train students to deal with real-world complexities where every environmental challenge is now a social and economic one.
Indigenous-led stewardship
The transition underscores the faculty’s commitment to Indigenous environmental governance. Through its newest program, the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship and its research initiatives, the faculty embraces Indigenous knowledge systems with modern stewardship practices.
“Indigenous Peoples have stewarded these lands since time immemorial,” says Dean Kozak. “Climate action and environmental stewardship in Canada must involve Indigenous governance, resource co-management, and land -and water-use planning. The faculty’s new name acknowledges those responsibilities.”
A strategic step for Canada’s environmental future
The faculty’s evolution signals its commitment to advancing solutions that strengthen climate resilience, support Indigenous sovereignty, grow the low-carbon economy and conserve and manage ecosystems that sustain communities – the faculty’s work directly supports the environmental goals emerging across B.C. and Canada.
“This change reflects what we have already become,” said Dean Kozak. “Our work is rooted in forestry, but it extends across the entire environmental spectrum. Our Faculty has been a global leader in conservation science, environmental education, research and action and the new name reflects that commitment.”
Dr. Scott Hinch is available for interview.
Media contact: Charlotte Fisher Marketing & Media Relations Strategist Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship University of British Columbia charlotte.fisher@ubc.ca
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of forest ecosystems, starting with forest disturbance and succession, progressing through soils, biodiversity, carbon and biogeochemical cycling, while touching on forestry and restoration practices.
What is FRST 304 all about?
This course introduces the fundamentals of forest ecosystems — what forests are, how they’re structured, and how they function. Students learn what makes up a forest and how forests play a critical role in the global climate and carbon cycles. We also explore what we can do in forests to help mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Why is this course especially important right now?
It’s a very timely course. As a society, we’re at a turning point where we have to decide whether to exploit forests or manage them for long-term health and productivity. Forest stewardship is a natural climate solution, but we need to understand how to do it properly. If we choose that path, forests can play a powerful role in mitigating climate change and giving us time to adapt to the changes ahead.
What skills and knowledge do students gain from doing the course?
First, students gain a solid understanding of how forests work. When they walk through a forest, they’ll actually understand what they’re seeing. They’ll learn to identify tree species common to the Pacific coast, recognize different plants, and understand soils and the forest floor.
Beyond that, they’ll be able to explain the major ecological cycles happening in forests — like carbon and nutrient cycling — and connect forest structure to function. These are skills they can use to communicate with others and apply in many different fields.
Is this course only for forestry students?
Not at all. Anyone can take this course. You don’t need any special background — just curiosity about forests and climate change. Students from any year and any faculty are welcome, whether they’re in law, humanities, science, or another discipline. The course is designed to build understanding as you go, so the material is very accessible.
Can you tell us about the course format?
FRST 304 is a fully asynchronous online course. That means students can watch lectures at times that work for them, which is helpful if they have scheduling conflicts with other courses. There are some labs and written assignments, but the course offers a lot of flexibility. You can really fit it into your life — and that’s one of its biggest strengths.
What would you say to a student who’s considering taking FRST 304?
I’d say, please come take this course. You’ll learn things you won’t get in other classes, and you’ll be exposed to ideas that might be outside your main discipline but that you can integrate into your own field. Most importantly, it offers a hopeful perspective — it shows that there are real solutions and that we can take meaningful action on climate change.
When: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 5:00–8:00 pm Where: Atrium, Forest Sciences Centre, UBC Vancouver
You are cordially invited to the 2026 UBC Urban Forestry Networking Event, hosted by the UBC Urban Forestry programs. Join us for an engaging evening of connection, conversation, and community at the Forest Sciences Centre.
This annual event brings together urban forestry students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners for a relaxed networking evening focused on careers and professional pathways in urban forestry.
What to expect
Poster presentations by fourth-year Urban Forestry Capstone students, showcasing their projects, skills, and applied knowledge
Opportunities to connect with students, alumni, faculty, and urban forestry professionals
Food and drinks provided — with double the amount of food this year
Whether you’re a long-time supporter of the program or new to the UBC Urban Forestry community, we look forward to welcoming you.
RSVP
Please RSVP via Eventbrite if you are able to attend (though you are still welcome to join us even if you do not RSVP).
We hope to see you there for a lively evening celebrating urban forestry and the next generation of professionals.
When Hannah Smith first arrived in Canada from the UK, it was meant to be temporary. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2017, she planned to spend just one ski season exploring the mountains. Eight years later, that brief adventure has evolved into a career centred on forestry, wildfire management, and a commitment to protecting forested landscapes.
Hannah spent five years working as a Ski Patroller, a role that strengthened her connection to the outdoors and emergency response. That experience led her to the Alberta government, where she joined the wildfire sector as a Wildland Firefighter. Now, she is pursuing a Master of Sustainable Forest Management to achieve her Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation.
Building experience in wildfire planning and technology
After relocating to Kelowna, Hannah transitioned into a Wildfire Planning Technician role with a consulting firm, where she was introduced to landscape- and site-level planning for wildfire risk reduction projects.
During this time, she expanded her technical skill set, earning her drone pilot license and conducting UAV surveys across the forestry sector. She also became a Forester-in-Training (FIT) with Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC), a key step toward her long-term goal of becoming a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
Choosing the MSFM program at UBC
To build the academic foundation required for a professional designation, Hannah chose to pursue the Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) program in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
“I wanted a program that would strengthen my understanding of forestry operations and forest policy, while also giving me opportunities to explore different applications and connect with people in the sector,” she says.
Learning from a diverse cohort
One of the standout aspects of the MSFM program for Hannah has been the diversity of experience within her cohort. Students come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds, creating a collaborative learning environment where peers learn as much from one another as they do from the coursework.
Applying theory through hands-on learning
“This semester, we designed a Site-Level Plan for a block at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest,” Hannah explains. “It was an incredibly useful, hands-on experience, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the results next spring.”
Looking ahead: returning to the wildfire field
After graduation, Hannah plans to return to the wildfire field with a renewed and expanded skill set. She is particularly excited to apply her training in geospatial analysis and planning to help address pressing wildfire challenges in British Columbia, while completing the remaining requirements for her RPF designation.
Advice for future MSFM students
For prospective students considering the MSFM program, Hannah offers practical advice: “If you want to become a forester but need the academic pathway, the MSFM program is an excellent choice. Ask questions early, talk to program staff and industry mentors, and make sure the program aligns with your career goals.”
What began as a single ski season has become a purposeful journey—one that continues to evolve at the intersection of forestry, wildfire resilience, and professional stewardship of Canada’s forests.
Quebec’s Lake Rouge vanished – but was it a freak natural event or caused by human actions? Younes Alila The Guardian
A path to greener fashion: UBC and KPU collaborate on sustainable rayon production Feng Jiang, Huayu Liu The Runner
January 12, 2026
Community outraged by before-and-after photos of concerning project: ‘It’s actually worse than this’ Cecil Konijnendijk The Cool Down, Yahoo News
Mystery of Vanishing Lake in Northern Quebec Raises Alarms Over Environmental Change Younes Alila National Times
January 13, 2026
What is at stake for B.C.’s forestry sector as Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to China? Juliet Lu CBC: The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn and other CBC Radio Outlets
Does China still matter to B.C.’s forestry industry? Juliet Lu The Jas Johal Show
Increased flooding risks, roads, land management practices. What’s the link? Younes Alila Midcoast Morning: CHLY 101.7FM
January 14, 2026
Tree cutting in Vancouver’s Stanley Park resumes after looper moth infestation Gregory Paradis CBC: Radio Canada
UBC Faculty of Forestry announces new name reflecting expanding environmental leadership Rob Kozak, Scott Hinch, Janette Bulkan Education News Canada
On Dec 15, the Province of British Columbia announced new investments through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) to support research infrastructure and innovation across the province. Among the 71 UBC-led projects receiving funding are nine initiatives led by researchers from UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, spanning forest and conservation sciences, wood science, and forest resources management. These projects address critical challenges such as Indigenous land relationships, ecosystem and climate resilience, wildfire science, sustainable building materials, and zero-carbon construction. The funding strengthens UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s research capacity and highlights the faculty’s leadership in advancing solutions for climate change, sustainable natural resource management, and resilient communities in British Columbia and beyond. Congratulations to our researchers on this significant achievement and recognition of their impactful work.
Designed for working professionals, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s wide array of micro-certificate programs offers an accessible way to build your skills, engage with industry leaders, and advance your career. Delivered fully online, these micro-certificates provide high-quality, industry-aligned forestry education accessible across Canada.
Join this information session to hear from the program director and ask your questions. Dr. Amy Wotherspoon will also join the session to discuss one of our newest programs, Foundations of Advanced Silviculture.
All of our current micro-certificate programs qualify for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which provides up to $3,500 for eligible short-term training.
With extensive experience in large-scale climate vulnerability assessments across different sectors and organizations, Dr. Andrews-Key brings her expertise in the development and implementation of adaptation, specifically as applied to business cases for adaptation across all sectors. She is passionate about exploring how we can bridge science, theory and action to provide students with the comprehensive and applied knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.
Amy Wotherspoon, Program Lead – Foundations of Advanced Silviculture
Dr. Amy Wotherspoon is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Silva21 project, researching how future climate conditions will affect Canada’s managed forests and inform adaptive silviculture. She holds a PhD in Forest Ecology and has expertise in climate–forest interactions and silvicultural treatments. Passionate about teaching, she also works in higher education pedagogy and teaches internationally through UBC programs.
