FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2018
The City of Charlottetown has been chosen to host the prestigious Canadian Urban Forest Conference in 2020. The conference allows for collaboration between local professionals and communities groups and other leading experts from across the country.
Alternating coast to coast every two years, the conference brings together dedicated individuals and groups to share their experiences, innovative strategies, policies, technologies, research, and best management practices all aimed at protecting and enhancing Canada’s urban forests. This national conference is coordinated by a host city bi-annually with guidance and support from Tree Canada.
“The trees that make up our urban forest not only make our city beautiful, they contribute to the health of our citizens and have economic, recreational, and environmental benefits,” said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. “It’s a great honour to have Charlottetown chosen to host this conference and it will be an important event for our staff and local experts to share knowledge and collaborate on one of our most valuable infrastructures.”
Today, 55 per cent of the world population lives in urban areas. By 2050, that number will have increased to 68 per cent. This increased urbanization results in a simplification of the landscape and an increasing recognition of the value of a diverse and healthy urban forest.
Charlottetown has more than 9,000 trees in its street tree inventory, as well as many trees in its parks, woodlands, hedgerows, riparian zones and on private land. The urban forest provides social and community stewardship opportunities, spiritual and psychological benefits, improves water and air quality, mitigates the urban heat effect, benefits the economy and energy sectors, and provides wildlife habitat for wildlife.
Charlottetown has a rich history related to its urban forest. Some trees in Charlottetown date back to the 1800’s when they were planted by school children on Arbor Day. The City still celebrates Arbor Day every year by inviting schools to bring their students out to plant trees in city parks. The conference will provide an opportunity to celebrate Charlottetown’s own urban forest.
“Tree Canada is excited to work with the City of Charlottetown to host the Canadian Urban Forest Conference in 2020,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “As the city where confederation began, with a rich heritage tied to its urban forest, we’re proud to bring together leading experts working towards having healthy and beautiful urban forests benefitting all.”
The conference will provide opportunities for City and park planners, architects, arborists, researchers and health scientists to participate. There will be a future announcement with the dates and details of the 2020 Canadian Urban Forest Conference closer to the date.
For more information about the conference and Tree Canada, visit: https://treecanada.ca (direct link: https://treecanada.ca/engagement-research/canadian-urban-forest-conference/)
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About Tree Canada:
Tree Canada is a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting and nurturing trees. Since 1992, we’ve planted more than 80 million trees, greened more than 600 schoolyards, helped restore places hit by natural disasters and brought together urban forestry experts greening cities all across Canada. Get involved or learn more about us at https://treecanada.ca
Submitted photo.
Photo cutline: Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada, awarding the 2020 Canadian Urban Forest Conference to the City of Charlottetown. Representing the City of Charlottetown was Parkland Conservationist Beth Hoar.
Media contacts:
Alicia Packwood
Social Media and Communications Assistant
City of Charlottetown
902-629-4149
apackwood@charlottetown.ca
Carol Burnup
Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor
Tree Canada
613-567-5545
1-877-666-1444
cburnup@treecanada.ca
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