If you are planning on graduating in May 2025, remember to get your photograph done for the 2024/2025 Forestry Class Composite. (Note: if you are graduating in November 2025, you will be in the 2025/2026 composite, but you can still get your photograph taken now).
Deadline: Your photo will need to be taken by March 31st, 2025 to be included in the class composite. Please note that appointment slots can fill up quickly as we get closer to the deadline; we strongly encourage booking sooner rather than later!
Information for Getting Your Photo Taken at Evangelos:
***IMPORTANT: If you are only getting a headshot for the 2024/2025 Class Composite, you do not need to pay the deposit.If you want to get anything more than just a headshot, you will need to pay a $45 cash deposit at the time of your appointment***
Make sure to schedule your appointment around your class times so that you have enough time to get to the Evangelos.
Make sure to remember your appointment time. We do not send you any reminders.
Make sure to show up a few minutes before your appointment and follow the dress code.
Please take a look at the attachments below for more information and book an appointment asap as they are currently booking sessions 3-4 weeks in advance.
Do not wait until the last minute as appointments may be all booked up.
Please look through the flyers below for more information (note: group shots are subject to the BC health advisories at the time).
Please review the document below for more information.
A Vancouver project promoting “silent” walking trails showed initial positive feedback, reducing stress among visitors.
A project piloting “silent” walking trails in two Vancouver parks has shown promising results among summer visitors.
Launched on Aug. 17, the initiative encourages visitors at Pacific Spirit Regional Park and Campbell Valley Regional Park to explore specially designated trails where softer walking paths minimize human noise, and bikes are restricted for a quieter experience.
Initial feedback was positive: 78 per cent of participants reported an enhanced ability to hear nature sounds like birdsong and rustling leaves, and 73 per cent reported reduced stress compared to regular trails.
Campbell Valley Regional Park’s Ravine Trail had a 96 per cent “quiet” rating, while Pacific Spirit Park’s Top Trail scored 89 per cent. Feedback was gathered through surveys accessible via QR codes on trail signs.
Visitors of all ages expressed appreciation for the tranquil moments of connection with nature, said UBC PhD candidate Tara Brown, who is running the project in collaboration with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
“Silent trails help preserve natural soundscapes, reduce stress and support wildlife communication,” said Brown, a forestry student and forest therapy guide. “They offer people and animals peaceful spaces amidst the noise of modern life.”
She added that the project’s early success points to strong support for expanding nature-focused trails that prioritize peace and natural acoustics. “Quiet trails blend relaxation with mindful conservation within city limits – you shouldn’t have to ‘get away’ to enjoy the sounds of nature.”
The project runs through Dec. 31, 2024. For more information, visit www.silenttrails.ca
This event is free and will be held in person only. Lunch will be provided to the first 40 in-person attendees and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own drink.
Seminar Abstract
Following Canada’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, there has been an increased drive toward a carbon-neutral built environment. Since the building sector accounts for over 12% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, governments and industries are promoting innovative low-carbon building materials and systems to achieve zero-carbon buildings, such as bio-based materials, phase-change materials, and salvaged materials.
This talk will present current research on sustainable timber building technologies, including sustainable building concepts, mass timber applications, deconstruction, and design for disassembly. It will also explain how these timber-related technologies could contribute to achieving zero carbon emissions.
Speaker
Haibo Feng received his PhD training in UBC Civil Engineering in the field of Sustainable Construction. He was an Assistant Professor for over 2 years at Northumbria University in the UK before joining the Department of Wood Science at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship. He also worked in construction industry for over 6 years on construction management and sustainable building design.
Dr. Feng’s research area is in green building, building information modeling, life cycle assessment and building energy performance. He has extensive industrial and research experience on promoting sustainable building construction with the integration of advanced building systems and renewable energy supports. He has practical knowledge on carbon accounting (e.g., EPD) and building rating systems including LEED, BREEAM, Passive house, BC Energy STEP Code, Zero Carbon Building. His work focuses on integrating innovative technologies into sustainable building design to achieve low carbon buildings with the consideration of social and economic impacts. He is particularly interested in using mass timber products to promote zero-carbon timber frame buildings. He also has extensive local and global experience in sustainable building design and construction management. He will continue his research on the development of Sustainable Built Environment Centre.
Write up and photos by Ken Byrne, Lecturer and MSFM Program Coordinator
The UBC Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) class ventured out to Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) during the last week of October to complete the fieldwork required for the capstone Site Plan project. We were warmly welcomed by Ed and Yvonne Pierre and their son Sammy to Katzie First Nation’s traditional, ancestral and unceded territory at the longhouse in Pitt Meadows. Primed with a sense of place and history along with prayers from Yvonne for our well-being we ventured into the Knapp Old Growth Reserve for some reflections and observations about our roles as forest stewards.
Hélène Marcoux (Manager, MKRF) speaking with the MSFM class at the Knapp Old Growth Reserve.
The rain was falling and the streams were full which made for a foot-soaking good time doing a stream assessment exercise at Millionaire Creek which is a fish bearing stream in the southern end of the MKRF. This was followed up with a post-dinner lecture from Dr. Scott Hinch on fish ecology and habitat requirements that need to be considered when implementing site plans.
MSFM students preparing for a stream assessment at Millionaire Creek.
The MSFM class began fieldwork in the Site Plan block early Tuesday morning to identify ecosystem and stand types and assess an array of values across the 16-hectare block. The work continued through Wednesday and Thursday, and the student crews collected data from 15 plots across the block.
MSFM students in their natural habitat digging soil pits and identifying indicator plants.
This year’s MSFM Site Plan block presents many challenges related to stand health, quality, and terrain stability. Therefore, subject matter experts were brought in throughout the week to share their knowledge (in between soil pit digging) and provide the class context and additional professional perspectives to consider while doing their fieldwork.
Gordie Boldt (Canadian Overseas Log Brokers) helped the class identify the log values that will ultimately pay for the restoration, education and recreation developments that are strong values on this site.
Gordie Boldt (Canadian Overseas Log Brokers) led the class through a call grading exercise.
Richard Norman (PGeo with Onsite Engineering) provided the class with a thorough overview of the terrain stability challenges above and adjacent to the Allouette River and a within-block stream that feeds it.
Richard Norman (Onsite Engineering) describes the challenges of gentle over steep terrain assessments next to the Allouette River.
The block also has many forest health concerns that need to be addressed in the Site Plan including Douglas-fir bark beetle, root disease, Swiss needle cast and white pine blister rust to name a few.
Sean Pledger (MKRF Forester) shows students the decay patterns of Phellinus sulphurascens in Douglas-fir roots.Anna Tobiasz (MKRF Field Education Forester) showing students Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) galleries accompanied by wood borers in competition.Handing off a beautiful Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) specimen. They were set free after analysis.Hélène Marcoux (MKRF Manager) describing damage symptoms and management implications of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola).David Montwé (UBC Silviculture Assistant Professor) describing Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stressors including Swiss needle cast (Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii).
The week wrapped up on Friday, November 1, with each group presenting a field defense of their preliminary Site Plans and each individual student completing a field exam on topics covered and observations made throughout the week.
Congratulations to the MSFM class for completing this important milestone!
Learn more about the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is pleased to congratulate Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich on being named Canadian Research Chair in Temporal Ecology.
Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich
About Elizabeth’s Research
Elizabeth’s research focuses on how communities assemble and dis-assemble with global change. She draws on theory from temporal community ecology with perspectives from population and ecosystem ecology, evolutionary biology, and climatology. Her work examines the causes and consequences of plant invasions and the effects of climate change on the temporal assembly of plant communities.
About Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP)
The Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP) enables Canadian universities to achieve the highest levels of research excellence and become world-class research centres. Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Their contributions deepen our knowledge and quality of life, bolster Canada’s international competitiveness, and help facilitate the training of future skilled professionals through teaching, student supervision, and collaboration with fellow researchers.
I am working in a chemical company in Belgium called Solvay as a Sustainability Procurement Analyst. I have been working on several projects including the “One Project One Buyer” initiative. This project aims to reduce the CO2 emissions of our company by fostering sustainable practices across the supply chain, particularly targeting scope 3 emissions. My role involves scaling up the program to ensure that over 50% of buyers are engaged with at least one sustainability project. This includes meeting with buyers to gather project information, updating progress-tracking excel sheets, and assisting in identifying new sustainability projects. I also proactively engage buyers who do not yet have a project, encouraging and guiding them to implement sustainable initiatives.
Additionally, my responsibilities extend to requesting Corrective Action Plans (CAP) through the EcoVadis platform for suppliers, where I contact them to improve their sustainability scores, focusing on areas such as Environment and Labour and Human Rights. Finally, I have led initiatives within my team to promote sustainability in the workplace. For example, I am working on putting in place sustainability contests to inspire eco-friendly actions among explores.
This co-op term has been incredibly rewarding, providing me with valuable insight into sustainable practices, how to work in a professional setting and the importance of a supportive work environment. I strongly recommend joining the co-op program as it offers practical experience, professional growth, and a deeper commitment to future career goals.
Meet Superblack Wood Philip Evans, senior author on the study and professor of forestry at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver comments on Superblack Wood. Ambrook
How harvesting small trees could create a future for B.C. forestry A pilot program to train forestry workers on harvester and forwarder machines is being developed, along with a program to teach aspiring foresters about techniques like thinning. The Tyee
Safeguarding natural areas can protect cities from flooding, Canadian study finds Professor Dr. Matthew Mitchell of the faculties of forestry and land and food systems described research that found preserving watersheds can significantly protect homes and livelihoods. EcoWatch UBC News coverage
Protecting nature can safeguard cities from floods A new study led by Dr. Matthew Mitchell of the faculty of forestry and the faculty of land and food systems found that preserving watersheds can significantly protect homes and livelihoods. Scientific Enquirer, Todays Chronic, Techcratic UBC News coverage
Silent trails deepen connection to nature, UBC research suggests Forestry PhD candidate Tara Brown described her research into the benefits of walking in silence in a forest. Global UBC News coverage
‘The land is tearing itself apart’: life on a collapsing Arctic isle Forestry professor Dr. Isla Myers-Smith discussed leading a study researching the effects of climate change on the tundra in Qikiqtaruk (also known as Herschel Island). The Guardian via AOL UK, Yahoo Canada
As Japan sends a wooden satellite into space, experts say astronauts could one day live in wooden structures Stavros Avramidis, head of UBC’s Wood Science department, advocates for using wood in long-term habitation structures. CBC
Harnessing Canada’s forests for sustainable housing and renewable energy Forestry professor of biofuels and bioenergy, Jack Saddler highlights biomass energy’s potential and the need for tax incentives to support its adoption. The Globe and Mail
Opinion: Biomass energy is a growing threat for climate, forests and B.C.’s value-added industry Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor in the department of forest and conservation sciences, explained why biomass pellets are not as green and climate-friendly as believed. Vancouver Sun
Peter Wohlleben, the world’s most famous forester: “In cities, trees are treated like street furniture” UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship professor Suzanne Simard’s pioneering research on the ‘woodwide web’—a vast network of tree roots and mycelium that enables trees to exchange nutrients and signals—gained widespread recognition through Peter Wohlleben’s acclaimed book. El País
FOREST INK: New forestry model needed for northern B.C. communities Harry Nelson, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship professor, shares insights on the changing dynamics of northern B.C.’s forestry industry and the potential for smaller mills to support local businesses and international markets. Williams Lake Tribune
Jeff Kerby maps extraordinary life at extremes Forestry professor Isla Myers-Smith and team worked with scientists and a Brazilian perfumer to recreate the earthy scent of thawing permafrost using geosmin for an immersive experience. National Geographic
On June 3rd, 2022, the day after graduating with a BSc in Forestry from UBC, I packed my car and made the move to Lillooet, BC, where I began my role as an Environmental Technician with St’át’imc Government Services (SGS). In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people and contribute to a variety of impactful projects for the Nation. From using eDNA to conduct presence/absence studies on white sturgeon in Seton and Anderson watersheds, engaging in wildfire recovery efforts throughout the Northern St’át’imc territory, and monitoring bighorn sheep and elk in both northern and southern communities. The diversity of projects I’ve been involved in has provided me with invaluable experience and insights.
It was during my time at SGS that I met Dr. Jennifer Grenz, who ultimately led me to pursue my MSc in the Indigenous Ecology Lab, within the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, in September 2023. Although returning to graduate school so soon wasn’t part of my original plan, the connections and relationships I built during my first year in Lillooet deepened my commitment to serving these communities. Both Dr. Grenz’s and SGS’ support in allowing me to continue to live in Lillooet and pursue graduate studies while working within St’at’imc has been instrumental in my decision to embark on this path.
My research focuses on centering St’át’imc worldview, knowledges, values, and needs to inform the stewardship of mule deer and their habitats in the aftermath of wildfires, while also addressing the sustenance needs of St’át’imc. My data collection so far has involved meaningful conversations with community hunters, land guardians, elders, and knowledge keepers, shared during time spent on the land, along with pick-up truck rides, laughter, and good food. I’ve also received an award from the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Indigenous and Community Engagement Research Fund (ICERF) to help fund and host community workshops and dinners where youth and elders have been brought together to share stories and pass on knowledge within communities over food in community settings.
Every day, I feel deeply grateful to live, work, and study in St’át’imc territory, and I hope my graduate studies can give back even a fraction of what the St’át’imc Nation has generously shared with me.
“When I first came to UBC, I began my journey in the School of Kinesiology where I had aspirations for a career in Physical Therapy or medical school. Coming from a background of science in high school and a large involvement in sports, I felt a great pressure from peers to pursue this path as they too were hoping to achieve this, and I got caught up in other people’s goals instead of my own.
My passion for helping others truly informed my decision to study Kinesiology, but my idea of how we could “help others” was limited by a narrow perspective of what health is. It wasn’t until I took an elective course at UBC, Climate Change and Health, that I realized core aspects to the determinants of human health begin from one’s environment. Whether that is access to clean water, sufficient food sources, or breathing unpolluted air, it goes without saying that human health is planetary health. After this realization, I found it difficult to imagine myself doing anything else and is when I began to research other programs at UBC that would align more with my interests.
Landing on the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and being able to meet with the program directors, I was immediately pulled in by the central values and goals of the faculty, as there is an understanding that if we want to help our planet, it begins by uniting students together in the classroom. The range of experiences and skills gained within the classroom are truly unique and are filled with passionate instructors and like-minded students. The list of what is possible through the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is endless, and means that there is something for everyone in this community.
My experience with UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship has been extremely positive. The sense of community created is felt immediately and greatly encouraged me to put myself out there, say hi to the person next to me, and get involved in the diverse opportunities offered within the program. In addition to a great and supportive services team, I always feel like someone has my back, whether that’s a professor or a friend”
When: Tuesday, November 5 | 6pm Where: Della Herman Theatre | Smithers, BC Tickets: Tickets by donation are available at Mills Stationary in Smithers
Join bestselling writer John Vaillant for a talk about our changing climate and the new realities of wildfire.
Author of Fire Weather, The Golden Spruce, The Tiger and more, Vaillant is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and one of Canada’s most acclaimed journalists. The presentation will be followed by a panel including Smithers-based fire ecologist Dr. Kira Hoffman, a National Geographic Explorer, Trebek Initiative grantee and researcher with the BVRC and the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at UBC, as well as Elder Darlene Vegh, an Indigenous scientist and fire practitioner from Wilp Wii Litsxw, Gitanyow Nation. Dr. Lori Daniels, Koerner Chair of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at UBC, will be moderating the event.
Presented by UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre.
