Canadian Urban Forest Conference 2024

Pre-Conference Workshop - Ufor

Where Professional Development and Scholarship Meet: The Ufor Network as Canada’s Nexus

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description

The urban forestry training (Ufor) program aims to increase the supply of well-qualified professional leaders capable of managing urban forestry (UF) in new urban ecosystems shaped by complex socio-cultural and economic conditions. The program is a collaborative professional education and training network for students pursuing urban forestry studies that allows students to connect with professional partners and gain practical experience. This workshop will feature a diverse panel of program partners sharing their insights on cross-sector collaborations between research and practice, and a series of student presentations that contend with a variety of topics, including urban ecology, urban soils, social considerations in urban forestry and private properties and NGO’s in urban forestry.

Panelists/partners will include Alison Munson (Laval University), Dr. Lorien Nesbitt (UBC), Dr. Adrina Bardekjian (Tree Canada) and municipal partners. Workshop participants will leave with a greater understanding of the impact of professional collaborations during academic learning for both students and partners alike.

Welcome Reception

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

This reception will bring together conference delegates, committee and board members, sponsors, and exhibitors. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

Opening Keynote Session

Urban Forest Equity

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Speaker

Jad Daley, President and CEO, American Forests

Presentation

Download Jad’s presentation (PDF)

Breakout Sessions

More details to follow.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

More details to follow.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Keynote Panel Discussion #1

Indigenous Perspectives in Urban Forestry

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Speakers

Dr. Peggy Smith, Lakehead University and Kevin Wasylenko, Manitoba Metis Federation

Presentations

Download Dr. Smith’s presentation (PDF)

Download Kevin’s presentation (PDF)

Networking Reception, Exhibit Hall and Poster Presentations

More details to follow.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Tree Canada Plenary

Trends in Urban Forestry and New Directions: What is Tree Canada’s Role in the Climate Crisis?

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Speakers

Moderator:

• Dr. Sandy Smith, University of Toronto, Tree Canada Board Member

Panelists:

• Nicole Hurtubise, CEO, Tree Canada
• Dr. Adrina C. Bardekjian, Director of Research and Engagement, Tree Canada
• Greg Hotte, Chief Development Officer, Tree Canada
• Michael Petryk, Director of Urban Programs, Tree Canada

Description

From organizing the first Canadian Urban Forest Conference in 1992, to the creation of the Canadian Urban Forest Network listserv in 2007, Tree Canada has been at the forefront of urban forestry’s growing impact and influence across the country. The organization has witnessed changing trends as they relate to practice, planning, research, and how external forces –including government and corporations – have supported or undervalued urban forestry.

This panel will explore how Tree Canada’s role in urban forestry discussions continues to evolve, how its programs are adapting to challenges, and the increased understanding and appreciation for urban forestry from external funders. Panelists will discuss the state of urban forestry in 2024, share project examples and case studies of novel partnerships, and look ahead to how Tree Canada will continue supporting urban forestry and the community at the national level.

Breakout Panel Sessions

More details to follow.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Field Tours

11:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Please select one field tour when registering.

It is strongly recommended to wear warm clothing and footwear for all tours.

1. 1. Prairie Tree Nursery Tour
   2. Dead Horse Cidery Tour
   3. Winnipeg Tree Planting Tour
   4. Futura Farms and Manitoba Metis Federation Nursery Tour
   5. Assiniboine Forest Walk and The Leaf at Assiniboine Park
   6. Walking tour of trees and infrastructure in Downtown Winnipeg

Learn more about each tours, here.

CUFC Gala Dinner with Reception

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Manitoba Museum

Keynote Panel Discussion #2

Engaging Communities: Rethinking Urban Forest Strategies for Equitable and Livable Cities

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Speakers

Dr. Tenley Conway, University of Toronto (Mississauga) & Dr. Melissa McHale, University of British Columbia

Description

Dr. McHale will open the session by discussing the importance of prioritizing green infrastructure investments in areas that can have the greatest impact on people’s lives. Using bus stops as a focal point, she will highlight research on how trees can mitigate urban heat and create comfortable environments for transit users. She will advocate for city-academic-residential partnerships to ensure that urban forest policies lead to the desired outcomes, particularly in the face of complex trade-offs such as water use and cooling in dense urban areas. Dr. McHale will also emphasize the need for Canada-specific research to address unique challenges in urban planning and climate adaptation.

Following this, Dr. Conway will delve deeper into the perspectives and motivations of residents—an often-overlooked but crucial element in urban forestry. Her research reveals that Canadians’ decisions to plant trees are frequently influenced by aesthetics rather than ecosystem services, with a tendency to choose smaller trees. She will argue that residents are not a homogenous group and must be acknowledged as diverse partners in urban forest management. Dr. Conway will share strategies for effectively engaging with residents, listening to their knowledge, and incorporating their preferences into urban forestry practices.

The session will conclude with a moderated discussion facilitated by Camille Lefrançois from Diamond Head Consulting. As an environmental planner with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy, and community engagement across Canada and the US, Camille brings a unique perspective to the conversation on creating livable cities. Her work in green space planning and community dialogue will enrich the discussion on how to balance scientific, policy, and community perspectives to foster inclusive and resilient urban forests across Canada.

Breakout Sessions

More details to follow.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

More details to follow.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Keynote Session #3

Advancing Equity in Canada’s Urban Forests: Beyond Metrics, Toward Community Empowerment

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker

Dr. Lorien Nesbitt, University of British Columbia

Description

In this closing plenary, Dr. Nesbitt will discuss how tools like the American Forests Tree Equity Tool provide valuable insights into distributional disparities but must be complemented by deeper, community-driven approaches to achieve true urban forest equity. Despite ongoing efforts, tree canopy loss continues in many cities, increasing vulnerability to climate change, particularly in under-resourced communities. To make real progress, we must recognize and support the stewardship, knowledges, and lived experiences of residents in low-canopy areas. Drawing on her lab’s work with participatory action research, Dr. Nesbitt will highlight how practitioners can work through transdisciplinary partnerships to centre community values and knowledge to co-create equitable, resilient urban forests.