Urban Forests in your Neighbourhood: Oak Bay Public Symposium

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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7-9pm, join in on the neighbourhood conversation as a panel of experts discusses the tree issues that matter to you.

Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT), Friends of Uplands Park (FOUP) and Oak Bay Parks and Recreation will be hosting an Urban Forest Symposium at the Windsor Pavilion in Oak Bay.

The event will be moderated by Chris Hyde-Lay (Manager of Park Services). Expert speakers include: Ron Carter (ISA Cert. Arborist and Educator), Adam Taylor (Executive Director, HAT), Matt Fairbarns (Regional Biologist), and Jill Robinson (Stewardship Coordinator, HAT).

While it is no surprise that trees are beneficial for the birds and bees, they are also critical to improving the quality and sustainability of our beautiful city. Unfortunately, tree cover in the CRD has recently declined at an alarming rate, and it will take a community to work together to restore these important urban areas. Trees in urban areas can increase property value and curb appeal, their canopy can reduce power bills, clean our air, provide protection from sound and light pollution, and improve overall physical health and well-being.

A recent mapping study by HAT revealed that in just 6 years, there was significant tree cover loss across the 13 municipalities in the Regional District. It was additionally concluded that in that same 6 year time frame, 1500 hectares of impervious surface replaced previously green spaces. Impervious surfaces essentially do the opposite of trees; increasing water runoff, trapping heat and concentrating pollution in waterways, and further exacerbating the loss of tree cover in the CRD.

Bring family and friends to join us November 3rd as we address your questions and concerns surrounding the urban forest in your neighbourhood. Most tree loss in Greater Victoria is occurring on private property, leaving a huge role for private landowners to care for their existing trees as well as plant new trees. The Urban Forest Symposium will address what an urban forest is, why it’s important, how it fits into natural areas, parks and the larger community.

HAT will also be discussing its Urban Forest Good Neighbours Project that aims to help private landowners care for their trees and find solutions to tree-related problems. The Greater Victoria area hosts an incredible diversity of spectacular trees that line our streets, enrich our city parks and bring life to our very own backyards. Join in the discussion to help promote and protect tree cover in our urban city to connect green spaces and provide habitat corridors for important wildlife.