Explore the fascinating world of mosses on the ancestral territory of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie First Nation), whose name honours these resilient plants. This immersive workshop blends storytelling, ecology, and guided fieldwork to deepen your understanding of moss species, their ecological role, and cultural connections.
Online Session: Wednesday, Oct 15 | Cost $20 Field Session: Saturday, Oct 18, UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (online attendance required; recording available) | Cost $55
Forests are one of our most valued resources in British Columbia, but their future is uncertain. Wildfires, tariffs, and dwindling high-value stands are placing an incredible amount of pressure on the forest sector. However, values influencing who gets to use the forest and for what are often at odds. As we navigate these challenges, how can we ensure forests continue to meet the needs of people by supporting healthy ecosystems, providing essential wood-based materials, and sustaining the financial, cultural, and ecological connections that communities depend on? Join our experts as we look for areas of consensus on the future of BC’s forests.
This public dialogue will bring together leading experts and community voices for a moderated panel discussion exploring the future of BC’s forests. The conversation will focus on areas of consensus and disagreement, with the goal of identifying constructive paths forward. Audience members will also have the opportunity to contribute questions in advance.
Following the event, panelists and UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship faculty will collaborate on a white paper highlighting key themes, agreements, and recommendations emerging from the dialogue.
Panelists
Molly Hudson, RPF, RPBio
Molly Hudson is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and Biologist (RPBio) with over 10 years of leadership in sustainable forestry. As Vice President of Forestry & Sustainability at Nch’ḵaỷ Development Corporation, she oversees Sqomish Forestry and supports that Squamish Nation’s forestry vision, integrating Indigenous values, climate action, and ecological stewardship. She serves on multiple boards, including as a Director-at-Large for the Forest Professionals BC (FPBC) Board.
Adam Olsen
Adam Olsen (SȾHENEP) is Negotiator for the Tsartlip First Nation, with a background in public service and community engagement. A former MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, Adam is a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and forestry reform in British Columbia. His work focuses on reconciliation, economic justice and building respectful relationships and challenging outdated resource management policies.
Dr. Dominik Roeser
Dr. Dominik Roeser is Associate Dean of Research Forests and Community Outreach at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and an international leader in forest operations, supply chain design, bioenergy, and the technology transfer of forest, fuel treatment, and biomass operations. Formerly Senior Director at FPInnovations, he is recognized for building international networks and leading multidisciplinary teams that advance sustainable solutions to improve forest management and bridge research with practice across Canada and abroad.
Lisa Matthaus
Lisa Matthaus is Provincial Lead for Organizing for Change, where she provides strategic expertise in government relations, campaign development, and citizen engagement on key environmental issues. She has almost three decades of experience, including 10 years at Sierra Club BC, working on BC forest policy issues, biodiversity conservation (including in the Great Bear Rainforest), and climate advocacy. She holds a Master’s in Environmental and Resource Economics.
The Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship gratefully acknowledges the Backman Family for their support of scholarship and learning in conflict resolution, including this dialogue series.
When: Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Where: Room CAWP 2916 (Caseroom)
This event is open to all and will be held in person only.
Seminar Abstract
Conifers are arguably the most important group of species in Canada. They dominate boreal ecosystems, providing habitat for innumerable species and underpinning ecosystem services across the country. Many species of conifers in Canada have large ranges that span wide environmental gradients. Of the many features that distinguish conifers (and the whole clade of gymnosperms) from other seed plants is the size of their genomes. Conifer genomes are extremely large, typically five times larger than the human genome. Such large genomes have evolutionary consequences and I will describe several of them. Until very recently, we have been limited in our ability to study large genomes, but technological advances are rapidly changing that. In this talk, I’ll describe our recent work on conifer genomes and how their large genomes are related to important aspects of their evolution.
Speaker
Tom Booker is an assistant professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Science. His interests include population genomics, evolution and bioinformatics and how these can be applied to forest tree species. He has two kids under five and is often really tired, whether those two things are related has not been resolved.
Isla Myers-Smith is a globally recognized leader in Arctic ecosystem science and ecology. Renowned for her pioneering Arctic greening research, she is a leading expert on how tundra vegetation responds to climate change, including the process of shrubification. Her impactful, interdisciplinary, and inclusive research is conducted in close collaboration with international partners and communities across the Canadian North.
About the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
The RSC College is Canada’s first national, multidisciplinary recognition program for emerging intellectual leaders. These mid-career scholars, artists, and scientists bring diverse perspectives to tackle major challenges and drive innovation in both established and emerging fields.
The official inductee ceremony will take place in November 2025.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship would like to congratulate the following faculty members and graduate students on receiving Wall Research Awards:
Team Faculty Awards:
William Nikolakis
Tara Atleo
Nicholas Coops
Project Title: How Deep Learning can be Harnessed by Indigenous Fire (Qwen) Stewardship: A Pilot with Yunesit’in William Nikolakis (Lead PI), Tara Atleo, and Nicholas Coops
In partnership with the Yunesit’in Government, UBC researchers are combining Indigenous Knowledge with deep learning to strengthen Indigenous Fire Stewardship. The project will document traditional ecological indicators with Yunesit’in fire stewards and integrate them with satellite and sensor data, supporting wildfire resilience and sustainable forest management across BC and beyond.
Graduate Student Awards:
Jennifer Magel (PhD)
Michael Stefanuk (PhD)
Brandon Weigand (MSc)
Kaitlyn Zinn (PhD)
About Wall Research Awards
Wall Research Awards (Faculty) are available annually to UBC faculty members through the Peter Wall Legacy Fund, an endowment established by Peter Wall, to support research excellence at UBC and invest in those who will help move BC and the world forward.
Wall Research Awards for tenured and track faculty members are available as individual and group awards.
Team awards of up to $200,000, awarded to a group of three to five faculty members over a maximum term of up to three years.
Individual awards of up to $80,000 over a maximum term of three years.
The Wall Research Awards focus on enabling good future work, rather than as rewards for past work, and are intended to support a range of scholars at different career stages. Projects supported by these awards may be exploratory or derived from established programs of inquiry.
Wall Research Awards (Master’s and PhD students)
Graduate awards (Master’s and PhD students) are available annually through the Peter Wall Legacy Fund, an endowment established by Peter Wall, for graduate students whose thesis/dissertation research relates to one of three specific areas of interest of the Wall Legacy Fund.
$30,000 per year for PhD candidates for 1-2 years
$25,000 for Master’s students, for 1 year.
See the full list of 2025 Wall Legacy Award recipients, and read project details here.
Co-op students from Forest Management, Forest Operations, Wood Products, Forest Sciences, Conservation, Urban Forestry and Bioeconomy Sciences & Technology programs will be delivering presentations about their recent co-op work terms. This networking opportunity will include guests from industry and faculty members. Prospective students, employers and faculty members are welcome to register for the event.
Learn more about the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Co-op program here.
Date: September 13, 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm Location: Malcolm Knapp Research Forest | 14500 Silver Valley Rd. Maple Ridge COST: $25 +gst per person | Ages 16+
Since 1949, the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest has been home to over 1,000 research projects exploring a wide range of forest topics. Now’s your chance to step behind the scenes and see what decades of research have uncovered. Join a guided van tour through rarely-accessed areas of the forest, featuring a rotating selection of research sites and studies each year.
Led by Hélène Marcoux, Registered Professional Forester and Manager of MKRF, this exclusive tour departs from the forest’s front gate and takes participants deep into areas normally closed to the public. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the forest like never before!
Monday, September 8, 2025 | 1 – 2 pm – FSC 1001 – Register here Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 11 am – 12 pm – FSC 1003 – Register here
Note: rooms are subject to change
Stand Out Co-op Info sessions
These session will cover everything you need to know about the Co-op program, including:
How to apply
Academic and technical requirements
Benefits of participating in Co-op
Whether you’re just starting your degree or are already on your way, this info session will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make the most out of your Co-op experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stand out!
Walk-ins Welcome!
Co-op Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by 4pm
Welcome to Your Future in Forestry: UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Undergraduate Information Session
Are you passionate about the environment, sustainability, and the great outdoors? Do you dream of a career that combines your love for nature with cutting-edge science and innovation?
Join us for an exclusive online information session where we’ll introduce you to the exciting world of forestry and our renowned undergraduate programs. Whether you’re a high school student exploring your options or considering a career change, this session is your chance to:
Meet Our Advisors: Interact with our world-class student services team, who will guide you through our programs and answer all your questions.
Learn About Career Opportunities: Discover the wide range of career possibilities in forestry, from sustainable resource management to environmental conservation and beyond.
Experience Campus Life: Get a glimpse of life at UBC, one of Canada’s top universities, and see how our stunning Vancouver campus fosters an environment of learning and discovery.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Find out about the financial support options available to make your education at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship accessible and affordable.
Why Choose Us?
At UBC, we’re not just educating students; we’re shaping the future of forestry and environmental conservation. Here’s why you should consider us:
World-Renowned Faculty: Our faculty members are leaders in their fields, conducting cutting-edge research that directly impacts global forestry and sustainability efforts.
Hands-On Learning: You’ll have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, research projects, and internships that provide real-world experience and a competitive edge in the job market.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Explore our modern labs, research centers, and specialized equipment that support your academic journey.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embark on a fulfilling and impactful career in forestry. Reserve your spot for our info session now by clicking the button below:
Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our admissions team:
