On Saturday October 19th, our UFor students (Sarah, Emma, Johanna, David, Vanessa, Charlotte and Davia) enjoyed a full day of field visits in Winnipeg, following the CUFC conference. 

The group started the day visiting a park with Richard Westwood from University of Winnipeg and Louis Bernier from ULaval. The two experts shared insights on strategies to control the Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer, both in park and residential settings.

The following stop was the South Osbourn Community Orchard where public land is being converted to garden spaces to improve food production and access. 

The students then met with Hugh Pennwarden from the Wildwood Heritage and Conservation Commitee. They got the chance to look at their afforestation efforts and the maintenance of prairie habitats in a local park.

In the afternoon, the Living Prairie Museum welcomed the group for a site visit and a talk about the importance of prairie ecosystems. The day concluded with a visit to a site of a failed attempt of city tree protection.

All members of UFor enjoyed a final dinner together at The Forks. A great day of valuable learning, but also a fantastic opportunity to connect and discusss with fellow urban forestry graduate students and experts from across the country!