B.C. Cariboo wood industry brainstorms growth The new Cariboo Wood Innovation Training Hub is being launched at UBC’s Alex Fraser Research Forest. Williams Lake Tribune via Hamilton Spectator
Aspen is a natural fire guard. Why has B.C. spent decades killing it off with glyphosate? Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor in the department of forest and conservation sciences, and Jen Baron and Jocelyne Laflamme, postdoctoral researchers at UBCO, explained the use of aspen as a natural fire guard. The Narwhal
Saving the ‘mother trees’ Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor in the faculty of forestry, was interviewed about her research and the Mother Tree Project. Wisconsin Public Radio
Deer are cute, but their over-abundance is bad news for B.C. forests, birds. Here’s why. UBC professors Drs. Peter Arcese and Tara Martin of the faculty of forestry are investigating the impact of deer on native plant species and how to deal with it. Vancouver Sun
Grizzlies act as nature’s gardeners for huckleberries to reshape Rocky Mountain ecosystems Dr. Clayton Lamb, a postdoctoral fellow, and researcher Aza Fynley Kuijt from the faculty of forestry, explained the findings of a study led by researchers from UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses on bears’ role in plant ecology. Castanet MSN UBC News coverage
Effects of 25% tariffs on the forest industry Gregory Paradis, a forest engineer and assistant professor of forest management at the University of British Columbia, discusses the effects that 25% tariffs could have on the forest industry in British Columbia. Radio-Canada
Conserving just 5% of watersheds can protect cities from floods: UBC study Dr. Matthew Mitchell of the faculty of forestry spoke about his research into how ecosystems function as natural flood buffers. Global UBC News coverage Vancouver Sun
Metro Vancouver announces new regional park in South Langley Tara Brown, a forestry PhD candidate, discussed the importance of regional parks for ecological and human health. CBC via Yahoo Australia, Yahoo New Zealand, Yahoo Malaysia
Flooding is one of Canada’s most frequent natural hazards, and with climate change driving more extreme rainfall events, the need for effective flood prevention strategies is more urgent. Matthew Mitchell‘s new research highlights the crucial role of Canada’s natural ecosystems. For the first time, researchers have conducted a national-scale analysis to identify the ecosystems that provide essential flood-prevention benefits. We spoke with Dr. Mitchell to learn how natural ecosystems not only capture runoff but also shield millions of Canadians from the impacts of flooding, and learn what this means for conservation efforts, policy, and community action.
Can you tell us about this new research?
We assessed the benefits that Canada’s natural ecosystems provide for flood prevention, the first time an analysis like this has been done at a national scale. We identified the natural ecosystems across the country that capture and retain the highest amounts of runoff and are simultaneously located upstream of urban and agricultural areas, particularly those located in floodplains. The most important of these natural ecosystems help prevent flooding in 54% of urban areas and 74% of agricultural lands within floodplains. This benefits approximately 3.7 million people or 10% of the Canadian population directly that lives in these areas. Our study highlights the importance of natural ecosystems in protecting Canadians from flooding and where restoration or conservation actions could best improve this.
Your paper highlights the importance of “service providing areas” and “service demanding areas” for flood prevention. What are these concepts and their significance in your study?
One of the biggest complexities we had to grapple with in our study is the fact that water runs downhill! We therefore had to understand all of the upstream/downstream connections that exist within and between watersheds to properly assess how a particular forest or wetland prevents flooding downstream. In our study, “service providing areas” are those areas of natural vegetation that can provide flood prevention by retaining runoff and rainfall. Conversely, “service demanding areas” are urban and agricultural areas, and especially those located within floodplains, that can most benefit from flood prevention. When you have the situation where a “service providing area” is located upstream of a “service demanding area,” then flood prevention can happen. The word “service” in all of this comes from “ecosystem service” which is a scientific term that refers to the benefits that people receive from natural ecosystems.
We’ve seen some pretty serious flooding events in the lower mainland this fall. How does this new research factor into the broader picture of flood prevention?
Flooding, by some measures, if the most frequent natural hazard in Canada, and is likely to become even more frequent due to climate change and increasing extreme rainfall events. Our research highlights and emphasizes the importance of natural ecosystems in safeguarding people and infrastructure in Canada from flooding. Taking advantage and increasing these Nature-based solutions to climate change, in combination with human-made infrastructure, has the potential to be a more cost-effective and resilient way to increase flood prevention benefits in BC and the Lower Mainland, as well as across Canada in the face of these challenges.
Your research indicates that about 10% of Canada’s flood-preventing natural ecosystems are particularly crucial. What characteristics make these ecosystems so vital, and where are they primarily located?
Not all natural ecosystems are created equally with respect to flood prevention. Trees and forests due to their dense foliage and deep roots are often able to capture and retain more rainfall and runoff than shrubs or grasses. In addition, ecosystems that are located in places with more rainfall have the opportunity to capture more runoff. The most critical flood-preventing natural ecosystems are those that, if they were removed, would result in a 50% or greater increase in runoff. This includes places like the Okanagan and interior valleys of British Columbia, northern Ontario from Lake Huron through to Ottawa and southern Quebec, and even northern areas around Great Slave and Great Bear Lake. These aren’t always the places with the most people or agriculture downstream, but can be places with remote and rural communities or critical transportation infrastructure that could be strongly impacted by flooding.
What are the broader implications of your findings for national conservation strategies and policies?
One key finding is that only 8% of the most important natural ecosystem for flood prevention are currently designated as protected. Considering that 13% of Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater area is protected or conserved, this indicates we need to do a better job protecting those areas that prevent floods. The best way to do this might not always be by creating parks though, other conservation measures such as the creation of riparian buffers in agricultural lands, incentivizing landowners and tenure-holders to maintain key upstream ecosystems, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are also likely to be key.
Beyond policymakers and can the community do with this information to help prevent flooding?
While our national-scale analysis won’t always be able to directly inform local-scale decisions, what it does do is highlight the importance of nature-based solutions to increasing flood risk. Communities can use this information to advocate for the protection of key natural ecosystems and lobby governments to integrate these types of solutions into their flood prevention strategies alongside traditional infrastructure like levees, dikes, and reservoirs. There are also smaller-scale nature-based solutions like rain gardens and bioswales that are appropriate for urban settings and that can be implemented by individual property owners of community groups.
When: November 28, 2024 | 8:30 – 11 AM Where: Chan Centre / Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre
The Fall 2024 graduation ceremony for all Forestry students will take place on November 28, 2024.
Family and guests should proceed directly to the Chan Centre, with doors opening 30 minutes before the ceremony. Guests are requested to be seated within 10 minutes of the start, after which any unclaimed seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
After the ceremony, join the celebration at Flag Pole Plaza, and graduates with their guests are invited to the graduation welcome reception at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, hosted by alumni UBC.
For those unable to attend, a live webcast of the ceremony will be available, starting 15 minutes before each ceremony.
Meet Cèilidh, from Abbotsford, BC. I graduated in May 2024 from UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation. During my undergrad, I worked for three summers as a field research assistant in the UBC Tree Ring Lab, where I got to travel across the British Columbia Interior and study wildfire risk management, dendrochronology, Indigenous fire stewardship, and plant phenology. I studied abroad throughout my degree in Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
I completed a research project during the final year of my undergrad, where I worked in collaboration with UBC students and faculty as well as Mission Community Forest to create a climate change vulnerability and adaptation plan for the City of Mission. With this project, I had the amazing opportunity to represent my research team and present our work at the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) in Zagreb, Croatia.
All of these experiences ultimately led me to the TRANSFOR-M (Transatlantic Forestry Master’s) program. I chose to pursue TRANSFOR-M for its emphasis on international collaboration and hands-on forestry practices. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I wanted to maintain and continue my connections at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship while broadening my network and gaining expertise in another part of the world. TRANSFOR-M has allowed me to do both, within one cohesive program.
As a dual degree program, I am currently studying towards my Master of Science at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). I will live and study here in Sweden for a year, before I return to Vancouver in September 2025 to complete my Master of Forestry at UBC. Receiving two Master’s degrees, one in Europe and one in Canada, at 2 world-renowned forestry institutions has been an incredible opportunity. So far, I have completed several field excursions throughout Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Research is among SLU’s strengths, and students here have access to an abundance of research facilities, sites, and resources. This mirrors my previous experiences as a UBC student, and I feel that my undergraduate research background prepared me well for graduate studies. By the end of this semester, I will have a solid foundation in European forestry to write my MSc thesis in forestry science, which I am really looking forward to!
Similar to UBC, I have thoroughly enjoyed the community that I am surrounded by here in Sweden. I study alongside students of all different backgrounds, and I live communally amongst students from all over Europe. These international connections and friendships are something I really value, and the memories that I have made with all of them will definitely be a highlight from my time abroad. I plan on using my dual degrees to forge a career for myself in community forestry. Down the road, with some industry experience under my belt, I can also see myself pursuing PhD studies!
When Dana-Lyn Mackenzie presents on equity and inclusion in her role as Senior Manager of EDI and Indigeneity, she notices a couple of recurring issues.
“We spend a lot of time going over basic concepts like power and privilege, and less time on the topic at hand,” said Mackenzie, who is cross-appointed among the Faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems, and Forestry.
“We realized we need a way to get everyone on the same page.”
Many current EDI offerings require cohorts to commit to specific times, which presents an additional barrier for faculty and staff who may not be able to adapt their busy schedules accordingly.
“Cascades of Change offers a flexible opportunity for any UBC faculty and staff member to build into their professional development goals, and receive formal recognition for where they are in their commitment to EDI.I,” said Dr. Agnes d’Entremont, Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion pro tem, Faculty of Applied Science.
The Cascades of Change program guides learners through two foundational streams, one focused on Indigeneity and the other on anti-oppression more broadly. Each stream involves a three-part process: a self-paced Canvas course, followed by a variety of experiential learning opportunities participants can choose from and workshops, as well as “coffee and care” gatherings where they can meet fellow learners and colleagues.
Participants can go through the program at their own pace with no strict cohorts or time deadlines to get in the way of learning. Those who complete both streams—including 12 hours of Canvas course learning and 25 hours of hands-on learning—will receive the Cascades of Change certificate of completion.
A visualization of the journey through the Cascades of Change training program.
Professional development through asynchronous learning
Weaving Relations, the first self-paced Canvas course to kickstart the Indigeneity stream, explores Indigenous histories, people and contexts, as well as settler colonialism in Canada. Since its initial launch last summer, it has seen new registrants almost every day of the year.
Jennifer Pelletier, Senior Manager, Administration in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said of the course: “Weaving Relations strikes a careful balance between introductory information and providing depth, while creating a compelling story and narrative you are enticed to continue viewing.
“As someone who went though the Canadian school system and has engaged with our history from both Indigenous and colonial sources, I was initially hesitant about another online course—but this one challenged assumptions, provided new information and perspectives, and was a worthwhile undertaking. I recommend it to all my colleagues.”
The second stream in Cascades of Change begins with Grounding Anti-Oppression, a Canvas course which explores EDI.I and anti-oppression work in workplace settings, particularly within universities. The course aims to provide a foundation on concepts like how systems of power manifest at individual, interpersonal and institutional levels.
“Once you do this course, you’re more comfortable raising these issues or bringing them up into your classroom,” said Ranjit K. Dhari, Associate Professor of Teaching at the School of Nursing. “It becomes easier to talk about.”
Dhari found the course material so valuable that she recommended to the School of Nursing’s Anti-Racism Committee to adapt the coursework to nursing, and make a mandatory requirement for nurse practice educators.
From passive learning to active engagement and connection
“The experiential learning step takes you from being a more passive participant to an active one,” said Mackenzie. “Reflective journaling is a key component for each of these experiences to help learners consider what they are taking in and what they want to carry with them in their ongoing journey.”
Cascades of Change includes an invitation to attend at least three community Coffee and Care sessions, which take place every other month, for participants to connect with fellow learners and colleagues. These gatherings offer an opportunity for colleagues to share and reflect on their learnings together in a supportive environment.
“One can only go so far on one’s learning journey toward the necessary work of decolonization in isolation,” said Tamara Ross, Associate Director, Administration and Academic Operations, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. “Once you have discovered the truth, the only way forward is with community. A community of others committed to unlearning, relearning and taking action together.”
An opportunity for lifelong learning
Cascades of Change offers more than just a foundational professional development opportunity, explains Mackenzie. “This is the first step in an ongoing journey to better understand one another.
“In our world today, you see how polarized public opinion can be. With public affairs—and by extension, public institutions—it is easy to vilify people. I hope this program reminds people that we are all here together, and that we need to work from the heart and connect with each other.”
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.
