Framework for advancing mini forests in Canada

Despite the proliferation of mini forests across Canada, and the financial commitment to increase canopy cover in urban areas, there is very little systematic research conducted on the range of benefits and the effectiveness of mini forests. For the MITACS Accelerate we envision involving an undergraduate student as a project intern to support the development and communication of a framework to advance mini forests in Canada. The specific objectives of this role are: (1) to analyze survey and interview data collected from established mini forests and generate graphs that synthesize the findings, (2) to write a report in collaboration with the project team to communicate the analysis and findings, (3) to lead on the formatting and final layout of the report, and (4) to support the development of dissemination activities to communicate the key messages of our research. We envision the Mini Forest Framework Report to provide insights into best practices, resources and case studies as well as key policy levers to enable mini forest adoption within existing urban forestry policies and canopy targets in Canada. This will be a very useful framework for both municipalities and community organizations to advance urban greening efforts.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tahia Devisscher

Student:

Partner:

Green Communities Canada

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: