Tooba: How did you first learn about LEAF and what inspired you to to get so involved?
Barbara: My husband was reading the local newspaper and pointed out a multi-day Tree Tenders course which started the next day! As I had recently retired and had always loved trees... I jumped at the chance.
The Tree Tenders course was amazing as local tree bylaw officers, and foresters were brought in and we discussed the challenges and victories they faced. The course was a thoughtful mixture of background science, practical knowledge, and specifics of what citizens and municipalities can do both on their own property and in their municipality to create an improved quality of life.
Barbara asks Jackie, Tree Tenders Instructor, questions about identifying trees
Tooba: So, did you have an “ah-ha” or defining moment since you started volunteering with LEAF?
Barbara: Volunteering with LEAF has been a great joy! Seeing the huge cottonwood tree at the Richmond Hill Oakridge Community Centre and meeting the local forester Adam Barkovitz and the most enthusiastic bylaw officer, Martin Volhard, who had wonderful stories, were all highlights so far! While planting with LEAF, my favorite part has been inviting students to give the tree they have just planted a "name" and seeing their eyes light up! They say "I can? " ... I said “Sure it’s your tree... and you can visit your tree later and see how it’s doing". In turn helping these students make a long term connection with their newly planted tree.
Tooba: Take us down memory lane. Can you describe how you first became interested in trees and the urban forest?
Barbara: While in University (a few years ago now !), Dr Bob Dorney an eminent ecologist took our graduate class to Toronto to tour the very new Toronto waterfront and described the great protected river valleys as huge air conditioners for the city. An amazing image, and one that has never left me.
City of Toronto ravines
Tooba: Why is the urban forest important to you? And what would you say to others to encourage them to become involved or connect with their urban forest?
Barbara: I have spent much of my life in water management and most recently in stormwater management. Mother Nature, including trees, provide many benefits...... trees are like big straws collecting and holding water.
I invite folks to try these 3 mini adventures:
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When walking down an urban street, stop a few minutes in the sun and then walk and little further and stop in the shade. How cool is that? I mean literally, much cooler. Out trees are natural air conditioners. Just got back from a few weeks biking trip in France - golden rule ... never stop in the sun!
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When you need a break, take a 10-minute walk in the woods or go outside and find the nearest tree and sit under it for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe, hear the wind, smell the trees … you are taking in more oxygen which refuels your body, your brain, and mostly, your spirit. Hug a tree, both of you will benefit.
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When you have a moment to "be present", say at a stop light when you are driving or walking, look down the street to the nearest tree, imagine the same street without this tree. My favorite place is at Yonge St and St Clair! These trees bring life (literally, as they are alive!) to our concrete jungle. They help improve air quality as they are giving off oxygen, shade, and cooling and storing lots of water which we need in these flood prone times.
Have fun with trees in your area and my recommended reading for you … " The Secret Life of Trees"
Barbara smiles after planting trees with LEAF’s volunteers, participants, and mascot, Barkley!
Tooba: It has been my pleasure getting to know Barbara and getting re-inspired to look at our urban forest in a whole new way! Thanks Barbara for all that you do to support our trees and urban forest!
Photographs taken by Lillian Natalizio and Tooba Shakeel
Barbara Anderson, a recent retiree from the Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change, is passionate about water, soil, trees, birds, wildlife, planning and management. She is excited to explore and share Mother Nature’s wonders with her new granddaughter Audrey Christina. She’s a graduate of LEAF’s Tree Tenders Volunteer Training program.
Tooba Shakeel is an ISA certified arborist and LEAF’s Education and Outreach Coordinator.