Blogs

After recently completing my Master of Forest Conservation degree, I’m very excited to apply my knowledge to a full-time position with LEAF! In my first post as Planting and Stewardship Intern, I highlight some of the reasons why I love trees…and encourage you to identify your own.

Watch out world – this Urban Forest Champion is set to make an impact! Last year, I had the pleasure of working with Lam when she joined LEAF as a summer intern through the University of Toronto’s Environmental Studies program. On top of that, she was an outstanding member of our Young Urban Forest Leaders program. Truc-Lam (Lam) Tran is this month’s Urban Forest Champion!

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) outbreak has decimated the ash tree population throughout the GTA, including York Region. Once an ash tree is infected by the tiny insect, it will likely die within 3 years. To counter the damage done by the EAB, diverse species of trees need to be planted and cared for. This is where the LEAF community steps in.

Growing up in suburban Mississauga, trees were not a primary interest of mine. As a teenager, I never had a particularly strong connection to trees or the outdoors, mostly because my neighbourhood was new and there weren’t many mature trees or parks I could ‘connect’ to.