Michael Nunn (Natural Resources Conservation)

Michael Nunn (Natural Resources Conservation)

July 9, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Water Quality and Conservation Co-op – City of Campbell River

Michael Nunn during his work term with the City of Campbell River.

I have been completing my second co-op term with the city of Campbell River as a part of their water department. So far during my term, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and hurdles that are associated with working at a local government. With their guidance, I have honed sharp communication skills through interacting with the public and writing professional training documents.

I am most thrilled by the audit I am currently working on. I look into records regarding the city’s water use and how efficient it is to hopefully build an argument for universal water metering.

This position would not be possible without the support that the co-op program gives to the employers and myself. The program has been an amazing guide in pulling out my full potential through these unique experiences.

Posted in: Conservation, Conservation Featured, Student Stories
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Bridget Guo (Natural Resources Conservation)

July 9, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Research Co-op Student – UBC Forest Resources Management Department, FRESH Lab

Bridget Guo at her co-op term at the UBC FRESH Lab.

For my final co-op work term, I joined the FRESH Lab in the Forest Resources Management department at UBC as a Research Co-op Student. I am involved in two projects as part of my co-op. One of my current projects involves working with a Master’s student to create a raster-based model in R that predicts Hemlock dwarf mistletoe spread at a stand level.

My other project involves performing statistical testing and analysis using R and collaborating on a forest biometrics paper. Working as a research intern here has given me the opportunity to hone a variety of technical skills including R programming, statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Working on different projects has also helped me practice transferable skills like communication and time management.

Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
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Urban Tree Trouble: Insights from Stanley Park Webinar Recording

July 5, 2024 | Author: UBC Forestry

Recorded Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Urban foresters who manage our community green spaces are responding to the public’s demand for this essential infrastructure, especially as these areas face increased pressure from climate change and population growth. Recently, Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park made headlines due to plans to remove trees killed by looper moths from the forest. Additionally, water scarcity and extreme heat are adding new challenges to urban landscape management. What insights can urban foresters provide about this valuable community resource, along with current and emerging best practices in the field? How do residents influence decisions regarding the living infrastructure in their neighborhoods? Watch this webcast to hear from an engaging panel of experts as they address these questions and more.

Moderator

Richard Hamelin

Dr. Richard Hamelin

Professor and Department Head,
Forest Conservation Sciences,
Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, University of British Columbia

Speakers

Bruce Blackwell

BSF’84 and MSF’89, RPF, R.P. Bio.
Principal of B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd.

Joe McLeod

BSF’01 — ISA Certified Arborist
Associate Director, Urban Forestry / Specialty Parks at City of Vancouver

Posted in: Alumni, Alumni News
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2024 UBC Sustainability Education Fellows

July 5, 2024 | Author: UBC Forestry

On behalf of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, congratulations to the following individuals on becoming UBC Sustainability Fellows!

Sustainability across first-year core curriculum: The Land One experience
Dr. Lindsay Cuff (Land and Food Systems/Forestry), Dr. Athena McKown (Forestry), Dr. Fernanda Tomaselli (Forestry), Dr. Karen Taylor (Land and Food Systems)

Accounting for Climate Change: Expanding civil engineering, wood science and accounting courses for climate relevancy by adding case-based carbon/sustainability accounting course modules
Caren Lombard (Sauder), Tamara Etmannski (Applied Science), and Qingshi Tu (Forestry)

About UBC Sustainability Fellowships

Sustainability Fellowships are granted to full-time UBC Vancouver faculty members who are spearheading the development of innovative sustainability courses and programs, supported by a Sustainability Education Grant. Funding from the grant program supports curriculum development centred on transformative learning that incorporates experiential, applied and interdisciplinary sustainability education principles. 

For the duration of the grant, recipients become Sustainability Fellows and join a cohort of faculty that meet monthly to exchange ideas and collaborate to advance sustainability education at UBC.

Posted in: Awards, News
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Kylie Clark (Natural Resources Conservation)

July 5, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Wildlife Husbandry Intern – Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Kylie Clark at her co-op term in Costa Rica with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

This summer, I independently found an internship with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife.

For three months, my responsibilities include the care and well-being of various Costa Rican wildlife species, engaging in tasks such as habitat cleaning, providing enrichment activities twice per day, training, and supporting the overall operations of the sanctuary.

A key project of mine focuses on conducting a behavioral study on Geoffroy’s Spider Monkeys (the animal in this photo). This involves assessing the effectiveness of different enrichment, identifying the most beneficial approaches, and innovating new enrichment activities. The objective is to develop a comprehensive enrichment calendar that increases the mental and physical well-being of Chester and Festus, our resident spider monkeys.

This hands-on experience is allowing me to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while gaining valuable insights into wildlife behavior, community engagement, and sanctuary management worldwide.

Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
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Jessica Driver (Natural Resources Conservation)

July 5, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Wildfire Field Research Assistant – The University of British Columbia

Jessica Driver at her co-op work term with the UBC Centre for Wildfire Coexistence

As a Wildfire Field Research Assistant for UBC’s Centre for Wildfire Coexistence this summer, I have been working on a few different projects relating to wildfire data collection.

Most recently, I have been collecting pre-fire data on rangeland in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. The data we collect will be used to help monitor the eco-cultural impacts of prescribed and cultural fire on cattle rangeland.

This position has taught me how to record plant species data, estimate plant cover, as well as use GPS technologies to locate our plots. I have improved my teamwork and communication skills while navigating challenging terrain and learned good safety strategies while in the field.

Additionally, as part of Dr. Lori Daniels’ lab I got to take part in the first Wildfire Coexistence Symposium in June. I learned a lot about the current work being done to tackle the challenge of coexistence with fire and heard from many experts about the whole-of-society solutions needed. So far this Co-op term has been full of learning and building connections within the faculty and beyond. I am grateful for everything I have experienced so far as a Co-op student in this lab, and I am looking forward to what I get to do for the rest of the season!


 

Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
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Julius Frauenheim (Natural Resources Conservation)

July 5, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Research Assistant – Carroll Allan’s Lab

Julius Frauenheim at his Co-op job in Allan Carroll's Forest lab

This summer I’ve had the pleasure of working in Allan Carroll’s Forest Insect Disturbance Ecology lab as a research assistant. Thus far my work has consisted of going into the field in the lower mainland to collect beetles from different sites and sorting them afterwards. I’ve learned how to conduct myself safely in the field, work effectively in a lab setting, and identify ambrosia beetles.

To me, co-op means taking advantage of the connections UBC offers to work a job that will prepare you for a career in the industry of your choice after school. I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge I’ve gained and will continue to gain from this summer to my future positions.

Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
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Catherine Yap (Forest Sciences)

July 5, 2024 | Author: Matthew

Forestry Research Assistant – Canadian Forest Service

Catherine Yap at her Co-op term with the Canadian Forest Service

I have been working as a Co-op Forestry intern at the Northern Forestry Centre as a part of the wood fiber characterization team. So far, I’ve worked on multiple projects preparing spruce, pine and aspen wood samples for analyzing and growing fungi. Mainly, I’ve been looking into biofuels—burnt wood and what we can extract and utilize it for along with fungi, pests and other characteristics associated with the severity of burns.

This Co-op term has taught me many skills including data entry, labelling, how to grind and cut wood samples, create and pour media as well as inoculate fungi.

Posted in: Forest Sciences, Forest Sciences Featured, Student Stories
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In the Media: July 2024

July 4, 2024 | Author: UBC Forestry

Here’s a look at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship in the media this month

Documentary sparks conversation about Indigenous-led wildfire resilience
Forestry PhD student Kelsey Copes-Gerbitz’s research on tree ring data is referenced in a panel discussion hosted in Williams Lake on Indigenous-led wildfire resilience.
The Hamilton Spectator

Western Canada Faces Unprecedented Wildfire Seasons Amid Ongoing Drought Conditions
Forestry professor Lori Daniels provides expert insight on the wildfire season, highlighting high-pressure heat domes and ongoing drought conditions.
Net News Ledger

Expert shares Malaysian forest therapy at congress in Sweden
Professor Guangyu Wang comments on how the practice of forest therapy can both preserve and promote Malaysian culture to the world.
Borneo Post Online

Biomass power grows in Japan despite new understanding of climate risks
Forestry professor Dr. Suzanne Simard spoke about the unsustainable forestry practices behind the production of B.C. wood pellets.
Mongabay

How much did pine beetles stoke conditions for the Jasper wildfire?
Forestry professor Dr. Lori Daniels said dead trees impacted by mountain pine beetles contributed to the intensity of the fire in Jasper.
Global News, Global National

What can we expect from the rest of wildfire season?
Forestry postdoctoral researcher Dr. Kira Hoffman discussed this year’s wildfire outlook.
CBC The Early Edition

Racoons could be smarter than we thought
Dr. Sarah Benson-Amram (forestry, zoology) co-authored a study which presented 39 raccoons with different puzzle boxes and found about 20 per cent managed to solve the locks to get to food. 
CKNW Jill Bennett Show

Can a lake become a person in law? A B.C. First Nation wants to find out
UBC forestry scientists, members of the Sumas First Nation and other partners co-authored a study which recommended allowing B.C.’s Sumas Prairie to revert to a lake. 
APTN National News, UBC News coverage

Unveiling the Future: Bioproducts Institute Collaborates with Apple on Groundbreaking White Paper
The Bioproducts Institute (BPI) at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and UBC Applied Science has collaborated with Apple to publish a comprehensive white paper exploring the future of sustainable materials and bioproducts.
Canadian Forest Industries, Treefrog Creative, Paper Advance

Evacuations in Jasper and what’s next for wildfire season
Dr. Lori Daniels, a forestry professor who leads the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence, discussed this year’s wildfire forecasts and explained how wildfires start in Canada. 
The Globe and Mail (subscription), CBC Kids News, UBC News coverage

B.C.’s southwest coast is unique – and some of us barely know it
Forestry professor Dr. Peter Arcese was quoted in an op-ed about a fragile bio-region of concern encompassing B.C.’s temperate southwest coast.
Postmedia via Vancouver Sun, Prince George Post, Windsor Star, MSN

As wildfire season looms, these residents aren’t waiting for government help
Forestry fire ecologist and former wildland firefighter Kira Hoffman highlights the importance of empowering locals to meet the challenges of the intensifying wildfire season.
The Christian Science Monitor

Scientists researching wasps that may protect B.C. berries
Forestry professor Dr. Alan Carroll said ronin and samba wasps, known to kill invasive pests, may be a valuable alternative to pesticides.
CBC News via Yahoo

What is Kelowna doing to mitigate the impacts of ‘urban heat islands’?
Forestry professor Dr. Melissa McHale discussed urban heat islands, when cities feel hotter than the surrounding environment.
Castanet

Water has flowed from Vancouver taps for 100 years. What about the next century?
Forestry professor emeritus Dr. John Richardson said Metro Vancouver residents have to be more cautious when using water as the region’s water supply is finite.
Postmedia via Vancouver Sun, The Province, Prince George Post

The environmental impact of spill in Abbotsford’s Stoney Creek
Forestry professor Dr. John Richardson discussed the environmental impacts of the foam spill in Abbotsford’s Stoney Creek.
CBC On The Coast

Local group advocates for greater tree canopy
Forestry professor emeritus Dr. Stephen Sheppard and professor Dr. Lorien Nesbitt discussed the importance of trees in a city.
Tri-Cities Dispatch

Vancouver homeowner plagued by aphid infestation pleads for help but city says they are just a nuisance
Douglas Justice (UBC Botanical Garden) and Dr. Allan Caroll (forestry) commented on aphid infestation in Vancouver.
Postmedia via Vancouver Sun, The Province, Prince George Post

Deer eradication on Sidney Island
Forestry professor Dr. Tara Martin said the black-tailed deer of B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands will always need to be managed as they are invasive.
Sierra Magazine

Why planting 100,000 trees in Vancouver isn’t as easy as it sounds
Forestry professor Dr. Lorien Nesbitt said cities tend to plant more male trees as they do not have the resources to clean up fruits and nuts from the streets.
CBC Vancouver

B.C.’s drought: Forests at risk from drought, but climate change isn’t the only culprit
Forestry professor Dr. Younes Alila said climate change is not the sole driver of drought. Drought can also be exacerbated by land use, forest-management decisions and urbanization. 
Times Colonist, Business in Vancouver

As the world burns, can we learn to live with wildfire health risks?
Forestry PhD candidate and instructor Jen Baron said the lack of prescribed burning has caused fuel to accumulate, resulting in bigger than usual fires.
Mongabay, Eco-Business, South Africa Today

Posted in: In the Media Monthly, News
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Atleo, Tara

July 3, 2024 | Author: UBC Forestry

Atleo, Tara

Assistant Professor

Department of Forest Resources Management

Forest Sciences Centre
2424 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Canada

tara.atleo@ubc.ca

Research Areas:

Bio
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Dr. Tara Atleo, haḥuuła, is a stewardship economics researcher and Indigenous sustainable development practitioner from the Ahousaht First Nation, house of ƛaqišpiił.

Tara is passionately committed to the principles of stewardship, dedicating her work to exploring innovative approaches to upholding and advancing Indigenous law and governance. Her focus in this area is the intersection of economic considerations as elements of sustainable development and natural resource management.

Tara has played and continues to play pivotal roles in innovative initiatives that strive to provide economic opportunities and environmental stewardship under the guidance of Indigenous law and governance. Grounded in her community roots, Tara uses her perspective to challenge and expand economic thought and tools to create opportunities for communities that advance efforts towards intergenerational equity.

Selected Publications
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Posted in: Assistant Professors, Communities and Indigenous Knowledge, Faculty Profiles, FRM Faculty, Sustainable Forest Management
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