Between then and now I have studied and worked in forest conservation across Ontario, Nepal, and the UK. What I took from all of these experiences is that the support of a community is critical to maintaining healthy forests. Most of the successes and challenges that I have seen in forest conservation come down to whether the local community is invested in their trees.
This lesson is all the more relevant when talking urban forests, which is why I was drawn to LEAF in the first place. Planting a tree is super, and teaching people how to take care of it is even better, but what really makes all the difference is sparking that personal investment in the urban forest. It’s obvious from this wonderful community of tree people that LEAF is inspiring people to actively participate in the enhancement of the urban forest. As someone with an earnest affection for trees and nature, I am looking forward to spreading my enthusiasm for the urban forest as widely as possible!
I have always been fond of and curious about the natural world. Having grown up in a small town, I spent much of my childhood summers adventuring around my extended family’s farms and woods. This time spent outside is no doubt to thank for my affinity for natural spaces. The idea of growing a forest that benefits not only local ecosystems but also millions of people is what really sold me on working in urban forestry in Toronto. On top of the benefits trees provide us in the city, I am really interested in how much they can tell us about the history of a place.
Outside of work, I volunteer for Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity, a non-profit network of young professionals working in support of Ontario’s biodiversity strategy. I also like to spend as much time outside as possible and have been making the rounds to many of Toronto’s parks. When I’m not spending time outside, my current pastimes include reading and hanging out with my cat.
Looking forward to working with all you wonderful staff, volunteers and supporters!
Jacqueline Hamilton is LEAF’s Residential Planting Program Coordinator.