London, Ontario is well known as the Forest City. In this first episode, we speak with local experts about London’s trees and urban forests. To get an immersive experience we encourage you to listen to this podcast while walking in a park, an Environmentally Significant Area or another forested area.

We then explore how invasive plant and insect species are damaging our woodlands today, and learn about what we can do to help. Finally, we get a look at how the City of London is working to reach its goal of 34% tree canopy cover by 2065. Ultimately we ask ourselves and the speakers, “Does London, Ontario really deserve the title Forest City”?

Our guests include Emma Young and Brandon Graham from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Treaty, Lands & Environment team, Brandon Williamson from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Jill-Anne Spence, urban forestry manager for the City of London. We begin the episode by considering the history of London’s forests.

After listening to this episode, take the following actions:

  • Visit an Environmentally Significant Area in London.
  • Plant a native tree or shrub on your property.
  • Pick up trash with your household at an Environmentally Significant Area.
Click here for this episode's transcript
Emma Young Emma Young, Sr. Environment Officer at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Brandon Graham Brandon Graham, Treaty Research Coordinator at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Bradon Williamson Brandon Williamson, Land Management Technician at Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Jill-Anne Spence Jill-Anne Spence, Manager of Urban Forestry at the City of London
Pond Mills Path Pond Mills Path
Phragmites Invasive Species Phragmites

Links Mentioned in the Episode

  • Government of Canada - The Mckee Treaty, No. 2 is a treaty that was used to secure land that encompases the south bank of the Thames River to the north shore of Lake Erie from London to Windsor. It was originally part of the Chippewas, Odawa, Bodaywadami and Hurons First Nations.
  • Government of Canada - The Sombra Treaty No. 7 is a treaty that was used to secure land near the River St. Clair that was originally part of the Chippewa First Nations.
  • Government of Canada - London Township Treaty No. 6 is a treaty used to secure the land that is now part of the city of London from the Chippewa First Nations.
  • Government of Canada- Longwoods Treaty No. 6 is a treaty used to secure the land that is now part of the city of London from the Chippewa First Nations.
  • Ontario Invasive Plant Council - Grow Me Instead is an easy to use guide that highlights the invasive attributes of some common garden plants and suggests better alternatives.
  • Thames Talbot Land Trust - A guide to London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs).

Additional Resources

  • London Environmental Network - Progress on the City of London’s Invasive Species Management Strategy.
  • Thames Talbot Land Trust - is an organization that offers educational and volunteer opportunities to learn about and combat invasive plants.
  • ReForest London - A non-profit organization with the mission to plant, grow and sustain urban forest by engaging the community.
  • ReForest London - A shrub brochure, highlighting the best shrubs to plant in on your property in London, ON.
  • ReForest London - A tree brochure, highlighting the best trees to plant in on your property in London, ON.
  • London Environmental Network - Progress on the City of London’s Urban Forest Strategy.
  • Ausable Bayfield Conservation - “Province approves Bill 229, including schedule 6.” A new article highlighting the Bill introduced by the Ford government that took power from the Conservation authorities to protect life, property and the environment.
  • Conservation Ontario - Coverage and response to the Conservation Authorities act (Bill 229, section 6).
  • City of London - The Tree Me Fund is a grant program that provides London residents with funds to plant trees on private property.
  • CBC - “Council briefs: Tree bylaw vote has councillor referencing Blackridge scandal.” Is an article on expanding tree preservation bylaws in London, ON.
  • London Free Press - “Sidewalks chopped as neighbour complaints trump London Plan,” is a news article about Londoners who petitioned to stop the construction of sidewalks to save mature trees.

The theme music is courtesy of ArchesAudio.com

Social Media