Meet Our New Forestry Specialists: The Experts Behind Tree Canada’s Urban Forestry Work

Our Forestry Specialists (FS) are the backbone of our work in urban forestry at Tree Canada. They play a vital role in delivering our programs, including National Tree Day and our Partners in Planting, Community Tree Grants and Operation ReLeaf programs. Some of you may have had the opportunity to plant a tree alongside one of these experts! If not, we hope you’ll join an event one day—it’s a truly special experience. 

We couldn’t do what we do without them. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to some of our newer Forestry Specialists—dedicated professionals who are sharing their passion for trees and urban greening with volunteers across Canada.

Laura Cottle 

Laura Cottle showing nature samples to visitors of Regional Park.

What excites you most about the upcoming planting season?

For many years, I’ve worked part-time with Tree Canada, overseeing tree planting projects through the Community Tree Grants program. This year, I’m thrilled to step into the role of the main FS for the B.C. region!

One of my favourite parts of the job is supporting school projects through the Greening Canada’s School Grounds grant program. It’s always a joy to see kids engage in planting and thinking about how trees will transform their schoolyards for generations to come. I also love meeting and chatting with volunteers during planting events—it’s inspiring to see so many people come together for a shared cause.

Is there any specific advice or knowledge you’d like to share with volunteers about tree planting?

Absolutely! One key piece of advice is to always loosen the roots before planting. I often use a sample of a dead plant that became root-bound in a small pot and wasn’t properly loosened before planting. It serves as a great visual to show how important this step is for healthy tree growth.

Laura Cottle (left) conversing with retired forestry specialist Christian Walle (right) as they oversee a Partners in Planting project in the City of Surrey, BC.

What’s your favourite memory or experience involving trees or nature?

As an avid birdwatcher, many of my favourite nature moments involve birds. One unforgettable experience was walking in the forest with a group of children—including my own son and daughter—when we stumbled upon a downy woodpecker nest inside a tree cavity. The nest was low to the ground, allowing us to watch the baby woodpeckers poke their heads out of the tiny hole. When the parent bird returned with food, they scolded us and flew toward us, urging us to leave their little family in peace!

BONUS QUESTION: Tell us something fun about yourself!

I love working in the forest, but I also have a deep love for music. One of the most unique projects I worked on was Forest Harmonies with the Pacific Spirit Park Society. It was an event that brought music into the forest on a warm summer evening, featuring solo musicians, an instrument “petting zoo,” and a choir. Listening to music blended with the sounds of nature was pure magic!

Don Cameron

Don Cameron enjoying nature, seated in the bough of a tree.

What are some highlights from your career in urban forestry and forestry?

I spent my career with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources in Truro, primarily as a regional private lands forester and outreach coordinator. Working with woodland owners, contractors, and government colleagues, I helped develop programs promoting sustainable forest management. I also loved leading youth education initiatives, especially taking schoolchildren on nature hikes.

Beyond my professional role, I’ve chaired the Truro Urban Forest Committee for over three decades. Our work includes tree planting, park management, pest control, tree inventory, and public education.

I’ve also been writing A Walk in the Woods, a weekly (now semi-weekly) newspaper column in Truro News for more than 25 years, sharing stories about forests, wildlife, and conservation.

Is there any specific advice or knowledge you’d like to share with volunteers about tree planting?

Give every tree the best chance to thrive! That means careful planting, proper watering, and ongoing maintenance. In many parts of Nova Scotia, white-tailed deer pose a challenge, so I always recommend using fencing or screening to protect young trees from browsing and antler rubbing.

Forestry specialist Don Cameron hosting a planting demonstration.

What’s your favourite memory or experience involving trees or nature?

One of my favourite childhood memories is climbing the big red maple in my backyard when I was about 10 or 11. I felt like I was flying—jumping from branch to branch like a monkey. That sense of freedom and connection to nature has stayed with me ever since.

BONUS QUESTION: Tell us something fun about yourself!

I’ve always been a sports nut! Growing up, I played football, hockey, and baseball, and I even played varsity hockey and football at university. While I love the forest, sports have always been my other passion. Today, I still play hockey and tennis—my motto is: Keep playing and never grow up!

Audrey Dallaire Gagnon

Image: Audrey Dallaire Gagnon.

What excites you most about the upcoming planting season?  

I’m beyond excited to dive into the upcoming planting season with Tree Canada! I’ve already started making amazing connections in Winnipeg, and I can’t wait to expand that network into communities beyond the city. My hope for this season is that the impact we create will continue to grow for generations, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit both the environment and future tree lovers. 

Is there any specific advice or knowledge you’d like to share with volunteers about tree planting?  

It’s fun to plant and watch a tree grow and thrive. To help our planted trees live their longest and healthiest lives, it’s critical to make sure the tree is planted at the correct depth. Planting trees too deeply can lead to premature death. There are many resources online that can be accessed for free (including on the Tree Canada website) that can show you the proper tree planting procedure. I’m really enjoying watching my new Hackberry grow in my back yard. Every year, I take a picture of my children next to it to show off their growth along with this special tree.  

Image 1: Audrey Dallaire Gagnon teaching children at daycare to plant trees, 2024.

Image 2: Audrey Dallaire Gagnon at a tree planting event in Northern Manitoba, 2009.

What should volunteers expect at a typical tree planting event when you’re leading it?  

When you volunteer with me, expect to plant more than just trees—you’ll walk away with new knowledge about your city’s urban canopy. I love teaching volunteers how to identify native species, discussing the challenges our urban forests face, and highlighting how trees act as green infrastructure. Plus, I’ll make sure you understand the importance of tree care after planting, so you can feel confident that the trees you plant will continue to thrive long after the event. 

BONUS QUESTION: Tell us something fun about yourself!    

In addition to my passion for trees, I also love sailboat racing!  I started racing in 2011 and have continued ever since.