Each of the trees I grew up with had its own personality and quirks. The towering pine in our backyard was aloof, with its distant needles and rough bark. It sheltered our playhouse, and although its prickly cones were a hazard underfoot, we were glad of them in the fall, when we collected them to kindle cozy fires and craft peanut-butter-slathered seed feeders for wintering birds.
Our front yard was home to a poorly grafted cherry tree, a special favourite. There was something beguiling about its split personality:one side had strong, spreading limbs laden with huge cherries; the other side trailed sweeping fronds peppered with tiny fruits that were deep black and bitter, more seed than flesh.
The giant, heavily scented magnolias and ancient ginkos in the park near our house were perfect for climbing, and offered broad seats to curl up in. The weeping willows made perfect hidden picnic spots, and the lofty pecans dropped a generous harvest of sweet nuts that are still my favorite for eating in pretty much any application.
As I got older and learned more about the many roles of trees in the ecosystem, I grew to appreciate them even more, and as I have moved from city to city, trees have continued to offer me wonder, solace, and inspiration. In my design work, I constantly raid nature's archives for inspiration. I still love spending my spare hours outside, but now I often go armed with my sketchbook or camera. I capture intriguing colour palettes, interesting textures, and complex patterns anywhere I can find them, and trees are a rich and ever-changing source of material. Sometimes I have a specific project in mind, but often my photos and sketches end up in the "inspiration" folder on my laptop. The act of collecting them is itself inspirational and soothing, and an hour or two outdoors frequently charges my creative batteries. I am fortunate to live in an area of Toronto with a well-developed canopy, where the trees in my neighborhood are many and varied.
I am so excited to be joining the team at LEAF, and to be a part of a movement that will bring the joy and advantages of the urban forest to Ontarians for decades to come.
Susan is LEAF’s Marketing and Administrative Assistant. She has been climbing trees since she could walk, and is passionate about conservation, community engagement, and making sure the future is as green as possible.