April Event Reminders

Community Trees Matter Network presents

International speaker, author, urban forest expert Cecil Konijnendijk, PhD

UBC Urban Forestry professor and international urban forest governance expert, Cecil Konijnendijk, will share his passion about urban trees, urban nature and urban greening programs.

An avid writer and international speaker, Cecil's research, teaching and advising have taken him across the globe, including to countries as diverse as Canada, China, Denmark, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Russia, and Sweden. Cecil is particularly interested in urban forest governance and the many relations between cities and their trees and nature.

He is the author of such books as The Forest and the City: The Cultural Landscape of Urban Woodland, and edits the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening and the Future City book series. Cecil has advised cities, national governments, and international organizations such as the European Commission and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations on urban forestry and urban greening programs.

Bring your urban forest questions for our expert speaker!

Admission is a sliding scale of $10-$20 (or by donation) at the door.

With climate change and affordable housing being two of the major issues of our times, this inspiring evening will focus on solutions for the creation of resilient, healthy and happy communities using revolutionary Canadian-made, carbon neutral technology that supports farmers and new employment opportunities.

Speakers include:

• Jack Anderson, one of western Canada’s leading green building design experts, urban planners and community design visionaries;

• Arno Keinonen, local owner and resident of the world’s most revolutionary green home;

• Times-Colonist columnist, Dr. Trevor Hancock;

• Michael Tacon, Transition Sooke/Harbourside Cohousing advocate;

• District of Highlands, Mayor Ken Williams;

• Youth organizer Antonia Panquin.

Monday, April 22nd, 7-9 pm, at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior St., in James Bay. Admission is a sliding scale of $10-$15 at the door.

With thanks to: Realtor Peter Gray, Reliable Controls, Lifestyle Markets & Vancity

There is a growing public concern about the future of our remnant Garry oak forests. The once expansive Garry oak forests have been reduced to scattered trees and isolated residual forest patches throughout the region. Few natural Garry oak ecosystems survive. We continue to lose trees through municipal development approvals. In this era of climate change the survival of the remaining Garry oak ecosystems is under threat.

In a workshop setting, the forum will identify why Garry oaks are important to Greater Victoria communities, determine the challenges faced with protecting the urban forest and communicate the outcomes to local government.

Dollars Well Spent

Fingers crossed! The City of Victoria's budget has not been finalized, however, it looks like the Parks budget may see a hefty increase which is good news for our urban forest. 

The City has tentatively budgeted $110,000 for the much-needed update of Victoria's Tree Protection bylaw, $400,000 for capital costs, and $858,000 to increase staffing and operational costs - which should go a long way towards implementing the far-sighted Urban Forest Master Plan.

We won't celebrate until the final vote, however, we want to send a big thank-you to all those who worked towards this goal! 

Save The 6

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the recent Wildwood fundraiser led by Creatively United founder, Frances Litman.

This event raised $1600 for the Wildwood EcoForest Save The 6 campaign to purchase a neighbouring six acre old-growth Coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem that was originally part of Wildwood. 

The Wildwood EcoForest, a 77-acre private forest in the Ladysmith/Cedar area on Vancouver Island, is a world-class example of sustainable forestry. The Narwhal shares this story and video. If you would like to make a donation to Save The 6, please click here.

Canadian Forests Flushed Down Toilet

Did you know Canada cuts its forests at a higher rate than most countries in the world, including Brazil? And that many trees go into the production of toilet paper? 

The Narwhal recently published this article about forestry in Canada.

Please consider writing to Premier John Horgan and Environment Minister George Heyman to suggest that it's time to protect our remaining forests.

Thank you for your interest in our community!

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