Trees for all: Achieving equity in the tree canopy

Trees provide a multitude of benefits to people in cities. However people do not always experience these benefits equally depending upon where they live.

Within this context, the City of Kitchener’s tree canopy can vary dramatically, ranging between 12% to 40% depending on the neighboruhood. The City has set a target to raise all neighbourhoods to the 30% tree canopy floor while ensuring that every resident “should be able to see at least three trees (of decent size) from their home.” Hear a presentation from Josh Shea from City of Kitchener on how the City hopes to achieve its goals for equitable tree canopy.

And then, hear a presentation on the big picture view, from Dr. Lorien Nesbitt, who will outline what can be learned from attempts in other cities to expand their tree canopy. Dr. Nesbitt will draw from her research to discuss approaches to increasing canopy in under-resourced neighbourhoods, engaging the public in urban forest decision making and stewardship, and confronting the risks of green gentrification.

Join us to unpack the nuances around this important topic.

About the Speakers

Dr. Lorien Nesbitt, Assistant Professor, Urban Forestry and Environmental Justice, University of British Columbia

Dr. Nesbitt’s work seeks to create more liveable and equitable urban environments. She has worked with communities and organizations across Canada and internationally to achieve sustainability and environmental justice goals, first as a community-based environmental planner and facilitator, and then as a researcher.

Dr. Nesbitt’s research focuses on urban forestry and environmental justice, using a social-ecological lens. She is also interested in the role of urban forests in human health and well-being, nature-based solutions to climate change and climate justice, and the use of smart technologies in understanding and managing urban social-ecological systems.