Paying Tribute to Women in Urban Forestry on International Women’s Day

On March 8th, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Tree Canada honours the Canadian women who, through their hard work, passion, and commitment, are shaping a greener and more sustainable future. This day gives us the opportunity to recognize the invaluable impact women have in protecting our environment and promoting resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Canadian women have always been essential actors in preserving our ecosystems. From the boreal forest to urban landscapes, they have skillfully combined expertise and dedication to ensure a healthy and equitable future for all. Their contributions in managing natural resources and conserving biodiversity are undeniable and deserve to be highlighted, not only on this special day but every day.

As Marie-Louise Bédard, our horticulturist in the Montreal region, states: “It is with great respect, humility, and listening that I approach my work, conveying values of mutual aid and sharing, both of resources and skills. I also cultivate an innate and sincere kindness toward the world and those around us.”

At Tree Canada, we are privileged to work alongside many women who are fighting against climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Indeed, “Female leaders in urban forestry are increasingly numerous, and we are fortunate to benefit from their valuable support and mentorship,” confirms Anne Lehouillier, a Tree Canada forestry specialist in Quebec City.

Through concrete and innovative actions, women are making a real difference for the environment. These “Sisters of the Forests,” as they are affectionately called by Celia Johnstone, our forestry specialist in the Greater Toronto Area, work both on the ground and as mentors, inspiring and carefully guiding the next generation of environmentalists.

However, women also continue to face challenges. Jessika Corkum-Gorrill, a forest and environmental officer for the City of Charlottetown, shares the obstacles she encountered: “For my first field job, I couldn’t even find work boots for women. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to be done.” Despite these challenges, she remains confident about the future: “There are no limits to what women can accomplish in this field.”

As the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, which supports women globally, Tree Canada continues to promote, assist, value, and support the women who, every day, are transforming our planet for the better. These women embody the values of solidarity, resilience, and leadership. We are truly honoured to work alongside them to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.