Foresters urge consumers to “think trees”

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2014 (3953 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Is there anything more beautiful this time of year than an evergreen tree dusted with snow and sparkling with lights? Christmas trees are everywhere and their colour and smell are uplifting in the dead of winter. December, then,  seems like the ideal month to “Think Trees.”

Think Trees is the slogan of the Manitoba Forestry Association. I recently met with two resource extension officers to think and talk trees.

Tatiana Moroz and Kristen Malec are two young, ambitious graduates of the University of Winnipeg’s bachelor of science program. Kristen studied forest ecology while Tatiana  grew up in West Kildonan and studied forest policy and management. Forestry is a changing field and many more women are choosing it as a career.

As resource extension officers, the duties of Moroz and Malec are varied. They educate people on the importance of trees and sustainable forest management. They girls work with school groups planting trees and educating them about the value of forests. They will soon be teaching chainsaw educational safety workshops. At the other end of the spectrum, they also prepare seedlings as wedding favours — part of a program called Setting Down New Roots.

Tatiana and Kristen also work with the Manitoba Christmas Tree Growers Association. They attend meetings and provide support to the association. The two foresters emphasize the many benefits of choosing a real local Christmas tree this season. As the trees grow, they provide shelter for wildlife and oxygen for the planet. Each tree is different and smells like the forest. Once used, the trees are biodegradable. Buying local trees provides jobs and supports the economy. The experience of choosing and cutting down a real tree can be a fun-filled family adventure. Other activities, such as bonfires and sleigh rides are often offered at Christmas tree plantations. Kristen and Tatiana emphasize that when a tree is removed, others are planted to continue the growing cycle. Ultimately, buying a real tree slows down the process of climate change.

Both foresters love their jobs and encourage women to enter the field.
For more information about the Manitoba Forestry Association and its programs,  call 204 453 3182 or visit its website at thinktrees.org

Joanne O’Leary is a community correspondent for Riverbend.