We can all agree that old forests are important…but why? It’s more than just their beauty. What value do they really provide to the environment, biodiversity, climate resiliency, and the humans who live, work and play within them?
The Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) is hosting Andy MacKinnon, well-known forest ecologist to share his knowledge and unearth the expansive value of old forests. Andy will share his decades of experience in the academic, research and natural worlds to provide an insightful look at the value of old forests – then, now and into the future.
As part of the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment’s (AWARE) Earth Week 2024 events, join the CCF to hear MacKinnon’s fascinating talk on Friday April 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Long House.
Based in Metchosin, BC, Andy knows the Whistler and Pemberton areas well. He has been a long-standing participant in the Whistler Naturalists’ BioBlitz and Fungus Among Us events. You may also know him from his many books like Plants of Coastal BC or Mushrooms of BC.
“Old-growth forests possess important social, economic and environmental values for all (human and non-human) inhabitants of the Whistler – Pemberton area. A rapidly increasing demand for these values and a decreasing supply of old-growth forests can lead to conflict. The beauty of community forests is that all of these values can be included and talked about with the local residents,” said MacKinnon.
Until his retirement in 2015, Andy worked for the BC Forest Service for three decades, mostly on the coast of British Columbia where he was responsible for ecosystem classification and mapping and a program of forest ecology research focused on old growth structure and composition, effects of climate change, and BC native plants and fungi.
The CCF is hosting this event to help deepen understanding, listen and learn from a variety of viewpoints, and develop shared language for discussions with community members and groups like AWARE.
Andy’s engaging and knowledgeable presentation will leave you with increased knowledge of old forests, their role in biodiversity and what is happening in the forests around Whistler.
Tickets for the talk on sale now. Space is limited so buy one for you and a friend today!
Visit awarewhistler.org/events for more information and to register. There are 6 events scheduled leading up to Earth Day.
Date: Friday, April 19, 2024
Location: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Long House
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30, talk starts at 7:00 followed by Q&A)
Tickets: $15
Proceeds from ticket sales will support AWARE to engage with community members, help amplify issues and concerns with decision-makers, and make positive change to protect the environment.
