City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1440624
When you give talks at conferences, what emerging or potential use of technology for urban forestry seems to interest people the most? What technology application is particularly exciting to you right now? SN: People seem really excited about the potential for sensors to communicate tree condition, especially if we can collect more "near real time" data and inform proactive management deci- sions. Can sensors help us get at the "language" of trees perhaps, and help us better understand what they need? And can finer data collection generate more nuanced understandings of relation- ships between tree health and people? I am particularly interested in the potential for these tools to get at vegetation response to surges in green space use—especially relevant during COVID-19! I've also gotten some great reactions when I show some of my favourite drone pictures of urban parks in Vancouver. The novel perspective can elicit some strong emotional reac- tions, and I think there might be some interesting public engagement and community stewardship opportunities there. Are there certain mentors you want to acknowledge? SN: I'd like to acknowledge and thank both my Master's and PhD supervisors, who have been constantly supportive throughout my (sometimes meandering and far out) academic journey. Peter Duinker, at Dalhousie University, introduced me to the field of urban forestry as I was seeking out Master's programs. I wouldn't be here without his expertise and encouragement. Cecil Konijnendijk and Lorien Nesbitt are co-leaders of the Urban Natures Lab at UBC, and I'm constantly amazed at the thoughtful, multidisciplinary work being done in our lab. What do you like to do in your free time? SN: I'm an avid hiker and, when the snow falls, I try to get out and ski as much as I can. I'm lucky enough to be based in Vancouver right now, where there is ample opportunity to do both. I also take advantage of good weather conditions to take my per- sonal drone out to grab some pictures of urban forests and parks; I share them on Twitter and Unsplash (@sophienito). Anything else you wish to share? SN: I'm really excited about the field of urban forestry right now—we are living in a moment of incredible recognition and potential change as more and more people realize the impor- tance of healthy and resilient urban ecosystems. It's a wonderful time to do research on trees and people in cities. 28 CityTREES