I am interested in how urban forests and other greenspaces foster human wellbeing and social-ecological resilience to climate change. I also study how ecosystem health and people-nature relationships can be strengthened through local urban greening actions and city-level transformations. Overall, the research coming from my team at the Resilient and Innovative Societies and Ecosystems (RISE) lab aims to support equitable nature-based solutions that can contribute to more resilient and healthier futures. At UBC, I also coordinate the UFRH (Hub), a collective that brings together six research labs committed to interdisciplinary research on urban forests.
In most of my research projects, I apply interdisciplinary approaches by combining methods from quantitative modelling, remote sensing, and spatial analysis with participatory visioning, action-research, and arts-based qualitative assessment. I value the integration of different forms of knowledge, and actively promote the incorporation of local traditional knowledge in my projects. To present, I have collaborated with Indigenous groups, local communities and associations, national and municipal governments, non-governmental organizations, and several research institutes in more than 20 countries across the world.
I completed my PhD at Oxford University as part of the Ecosystems Lab at the Environmental Change Institute after working for eight years with the Stockholm Environment Institute and three agencies of the United Nations. At the UBC Urban Forestry program, I have been instructor of UFOR 220 Urban Forest Inventory and Assessment, UFOR 200 Urban Forest and Wellbeing, and UFOR 402 Urban Forest Governance.
Quality Control/Process Assistantat West Fraser in Blue Ridge, AB
For my first summer Co-op term, I have been working with the quality control department for both the sawmill and planner. Some of my responsibilities include: adjusting saw cuts, measuring lumber, lumber grading, and data analysis. I found certain aspects of the position interesting and gained many hands-on experience and a sense of the business side of the industry. To me, Co-op is the perfect opportunity to try out different job positions, finding out what I am passionate about and what I enjoy doing.
Student Research Assistantat Natural Resources Canada in Victoria, BC
This co-op term I have been doing bark beetle reaserch for the Canadian Forest Service based out of the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria BC. I have been assisting with multiple research projects on mountain pine beetle and spruce beetle looking at their biology, ecololgy and population managment. A highlight of my summer has been doing field work and travelling all over the province to set up a large-scale mountain pine beetle trapping study. It has been great experience learning about the importance of forest health for forest management and getting to apply what I’ve learned in my forestry classes.
NSO Internat British Columbia Conservation Foundation; Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program in Langley, BC
I am continuing work at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program (NSOBP), a project under the British Columbia Conservation Foundation. The NSOBP is dedicated to preventing the extirpation of northern spotted owls from Canada by captive breeding and release into protected areas. During the breeding season, I learned the meticulous process of hand raising the newly hatched chicks. This entails 24/7 monitoring of chick health and behavior, prepping food, feeding, heath exams, processing fecals, and lots of cleaning. I assisted with the return of chicks back to the nest and watched video recordings to observe their welfare and acceptable parental behaviours from the adult owls. Currently, I am helping with the potential release of viable owls into the wild. I have been trained to test the owls readiness for release by feeding live prey, and aiding in health checks and weighing. As well, I am contributing to the construction/maintenance of owl aviaries, for example, weed whacking to create space and sealing wooden roost boxes. Co-op allowed me to reflect on my experiences and I feel it has been very interesting to go through the processes of the breeding season, meet the people involved, and see the effort it takes to increase the chances of survival for these owls.
Watershed Enhancement Team Leaderat Dillon Consulting Ltd in Richmond, BC
I am working as Watershed Enhancement Team leader for Dillon Consulting in the Salmon Habitat Restoration Program with the City of Surrey. My primary objective is restoring salmon habitat by removing invasives, planting natives, and conducting instream work. This job has taught me many transferable skills such as project management. It has also allowed me to grow as a leader by hiring, training, and supervising highschool crew members. While my primary responsibilities entail extensive fieldwork, I also actively participate in community outreach initiatives, write comprehensive reports, and help out at salmon hatcheries.
Water Conservation Ambassadorat City of Vancouver in Vancouver, BC
For my third work term I have the privilege to work with the City of Vancouver as a Water Conservation Ambassador. As an ambassador my job is to educate and ensure residents of Vancouver are complying with regulations for overall water conservation. This includes setting up appointments with residents to check their automatic irrigation timers, water meter checks, and brainstorming ways to engage with the public about water conservation initiatives. This position has been an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge about the municipal system as well as learn how to create meaningful connections with Vancouverites, in hopes to teach about water conservation methods.
On my time at The Sharing Farm, I have been learning the different procedures needed to maintain and grow healthy organic crops. My job as the field assistant is to work with other field assistants or be of help to others and work on various types of tasks around the farm. These tasks can include weeding the soil to maintain crop protection, harvesting when crops when ready, and many more. By learning how to maintain crops, it closely conincides with how trees may need planning and maintenance in forest stands to ensure that the desired growth results of the tree is met whether that be for harvesting or to just replenish the stand. I recommend considering Co-op as it is a wonderful time to learn many new things and gain the important experience needed at different occupations. The people that you meet are wonderful on Co-op terms as my time at The Sharing Farm with everyone has been nothing but great.
AUTHORS: Rebecca Anne Riggs, Chris Gaston, James Douglas Langston, Jeffrey Sayer
Small scale forestry in British Columbia is growing as a platform to integrate community, climate, and forest values. This policy brief highlights critical constraints facing small forest tenures and the need for engagement on long-term solutions that allow for locally driven management decisions.
As a part of the City of Markham’s Tree Preservation by-law team, I have a meaningful role in preserving our urban forest and promoting a greener community. Along with enforcing by-laws and ensuring proper tree care, I actively contribute to increasing canopy cover and promoting the planting of native tree species. By focusing on these efforts, we not only preserve our natural heritage but also create a healthier and more vibrant environment for all residents to enjoy.
Internat The University of British Columbia in Williams Lake, BC
I am beginning my first co-op work term as an intern with the Alex Fraser Research Forest, which works in conjunction with the University of British Columbia. I have been working alongside RPFs to conduct a variety of surveys and learn what it means to be a professional forester. During this term, I learned how to conduct regeneration surveys that help the team understand the current state of the prescribed cutblocks and how trees are doing years after being planted. As well, I have had the opportunity to do quality checks and pay plots for planting prescriptions, and timber cruises to assess the volume and quality of timber to value potential harvest. Overall, I have had the opportunity to constantly improve my tree identification skills, data entry proficiency, problem-solving skill, and navigation skills, ultimately developing my understanding of forestry in a professional setting. By having my boots on the ground during this co-op experience I have reinforced my desire to pursue a career as an RPF. Through this engaging and informative experience, I have learned the value and influence that professionals can have and I am inspired by the people I work with to create the change I want to see in our forests, for the future.
