What is your interest and motivation in serving for LEAF as a board member?
I bring a combination of professional and lived experiences. As a longtime member of LEAF’s community, I bring a good understanding of LEAF’s programs, history and goals. I have deep knowledge of the urban forestry landscape in the GTA/Ontario/Canada. As part of my work with Dr. Tenley Conway at University of Toronto, I conducted original research exploring the role of residents and community groups in urban forest management. Over the last few years, I’ve been on an enhanced learning journey to continue to be anti-oppressive and equitable in my work towards fostering sustainable communities.
Professionally, I bring over 13 years of experience leading collaborative, high-impact, community-based environmental programs with diverse communities. I am an ISA Certified Arborist and an EcoDistrict Accredited Professional. Currently, I am a Senior Coordinator of Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program at Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). I work with a diverse group of people including staff, partners and community members. Together, we co-develop and co-implement watershed-based plans for priority neighbourhoods - focusing on climate action, urban forestry/natural green infrastructure, stormwater management and community capacity building. Prior to CVC, I worked in the public and non-profit sector in the GTA for over 10 years across several municipalities in GTA.
What do you see as some of the most pressing issues facing urban forests?
Urban forest of GTA serve as critical green infrastructure providing vital services to support healthy and happy lives. Our urban forests are under threat from impacts of climate change such as pest and disease and severe weather and are suffering due to limited long-term investment in protection and stewardship of existing and mature urban forest. GTA communities are facing inequities when it comes to access to benefits and services provided by trees and urban forests.
From supporting local biodiversity, enhancing human health/ wellbeing to managing stormwater, communities are increasingly relying on trees and the urban forest to meet multiple environmental, infrastructure, economic and social objectives. Large number of municipalities in the GTA have declare climate emergency and are developing climate adaptation plans – in doing so, they are setting ambitious tree planting and urban forest management targets. In light of COVID-19 pandemic, appreciation of urban forest and green infrastructure has skyrocketed. Through its programs, LEAF has demonstrated its ability to take on these challenges and exciting opportunities and make real change happen across several communities.
Are you involved in any other community work?
I am passionate about volunteering and support numerous organizations in various capacity while mentoring students and young professionals. Some of the organizations that I currently support are Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, Sustainability Network, EcoSpark and University of Toronto Alumni Mentorship Program.
Thank you for interviewing me for LEAF’s blog. Connect with me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Janet McKay is the Executive Director at LEAF.
Tooba Shakeel is an Urban Forest Champion - someone who has made a positive impact on our urban forest through their professional, volunteer or personal efforts.
Read more our Urban Forest Champion blog series here.