Canadian Urban Forest Conference 2024

Pre-Conference Workshop - Ufor

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

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

5:00 PM - 7:00 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

Jad Daley, President and CEO, American Forests

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Keynote Panel Discussion #1

Public Engagement in Urban Forestry

Dr. Tenley Conway, University of Toronto (Missisauga) & Dr. Michelle McHale, University of British Columbia

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Tree Canada Session

New Directions and the Canadian Urban Forest Network

Dr. Adrina Bardekjian, Director, Research and Engagement, Tree Canada, and Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Field Tours

11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Field Tour #1 – Prairie Tree Nursery Tour

The restoration of our urban forests relies on tree nurseries producing high-quality trees. For over 40 years, Jeffries Nurseries Ltd. has been providing trees to thrive specifically in Canada and on the Prairies. Come learn more about nursery operations. We will also talk about ongoing research and development, including winter hardiness levels, tolerance to soil conditions, resistance to pests and disease, and consumer trends and demands.

Field Tour #2 – Dead Horse Cidery Tour

Head to Southern Manitoba and visit Dead Horse Cider, a unique family-run cidery. Learn about the history of the cidery and apple production in Manitoba and tour the orchard and production facilities. Sample the latest cider batches and purchase some of your favourites.

Field Tour #3 – Winnipeg Tree Planting Tour

City of Winnipeg resident associations and non-profit organizations continue to implement community-based tree planting projects to enhance the city’s urban forest canopy. This tour will visit multiple project sites and hear firsthand from the community planting leaders on topics from project planning to installation and maintenance to the unique outcomes from each planting site.

Field Tour #4 – Futura Farms and Manitoba Metis Federation Nursery Tour

Be part of the future at this Futura Farms tour near Selkirk, Manitoba. On the tour, you will see some of the world’s hardiest shade tree cultivars! Your hosts will be the avant-garde father-and-son team of Rick Durand, tree researcher for over 45 years, and Dr. Carl Durand, owner of Futura Farms. In addition, learn more about the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art tree nursery being developed by the Manitoba Métis Federation – The National Government of the Red River Métis. In the early stages of production the nursery will produce up to two million tree seedlings per year., Over the course of the following years, production will increase to total eight to 10 million tree seedlings. Join us for an in-depth look at the facility and the steps the Manitoba Métis Federation is taking to provide economic opportunities to the city of Selkirk and the surrounding Interlake region.

Field Tour #5 – Assiniboine Forest Walk and The Leaf at Assiniboine Park

The Assiniboine Forest is one of the largest urban natural forests in Canada with a blend of open meadows, wetland areas, ponds, large swaths of old growth forest that supports a variety of species of flora and fauna. Come for a 4.5km walk and bathe in the forest, followed by a lunch/learn at the Pavilion Atrium and a visit to Winnipeg’s newest attraction, The Leaf, in Assiniboine Park.

Field Tour #6 – Walking tour of trees and infrastructure in Downtown Winnipeg

Growing healthy trees to maturity in the Downtown environment is particularly challenging due to competition for space with other infrastructure, infrastructure upgrades, and development. This is on top of the harsh conditions and other stressors. The value of mature trees in urban centers is so much greater due to the inherent conditions that magnify the negative impacts of the urban heat island effect and climate change. Walk with us through downtown Winnipeg to learn how the city is collaboratively and strategically investing in infrastructure that supports trees to realize their benefits for the downtown community.

CUFC Gala Dinner with Reception

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Manitoba Museum

Keynote Panel Discussion #2

Diverse Perspectives in Urban Forestry

Dr. Peggy Smith, Lakehead University & Mr. Kevin Wasylenko, Manitoba Métis Federation

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote Panel Discussion #3

Training and Education in Urban Forestry

Dr. Lorien Nesbitt, University of British Columbia & Ms. Kierra Ryner, Encompass Co-op

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM