Community Trees Matter Network Toolkit
Trees matter! For this reason (and many more listed below), we have compiled a variety of information, resources, ideas and wisdom to help protect and preserve more trees. Please join us!
If you have something you would like to see included here, please share it with us. Every action counts, no matter how small. Individually we can be stewards, collectively, we can harness the power of our integrated networks and greatly accelerate the change we want to see.
Why We Love Trees
Trees offer a multitude of benefits that many of us take for granted. Scientists are discovering that trees are far more sophisticated and valuable as a living resource than we ever imagined.
Tree Planting, Care, & Preservation
A recent study stated that planting trees (and preventing deforestation) is by far the best way to help mitigate climate change. Both new and mature trees require some care and attention. Learn what is required for trees to survive and thrive at all stages of their lives.
Standing Up For Trees
Want to know what you can do to protect and preserve trees? Here are some straightforward ways and resources to make a difference in your neighbourhood, including sample letters to write, how to approach local media and municipal authorities, resources, neighbourhood associations and groups, and handy email addresses for sending letters.
The Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit
The University of Sussex, UK has created a comprehensive guide to delivering rights-based protection for trees, woodlands and forests. More than ever before, it’s becoming clear that we urgently need a new framework for rethinking human-nature relations in law and beyond.
Forest Protection Resources
Missed our latest webinar? We’ve got all the resources you need in one place.
Creatively United presents a conversation and Q&A with some of BC’s leading experts on tree preservation in light of a changing climate and the threat of fire.
Learn how to discern truth from half-truth (or fiction), protect and preserve trees, your community, home and loved ones from the growing threat of fire in an era of climate uncertainty.
Watch the recording, find additional Questions and Answers not covered in the webinar, plus related links and resources here.
Trees Matter
Through music, dance, song and stunning visuals, the importance of protecting, preserving and planting trees is artfully expressed in this unique collaboration involving members of the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, the Emily Carr String Quartet and Ballet Victoria.
A Tree For All Trades
If in doubt as to the value of every tree left standing, please take a moment to watch and share this informative 6-minute video made by the Halifax parks department: A Tree for All Trades.
This film makes clear the fact that large, mature trees are exponentially more beneficial to communities than small trees.
Awaken – A Forest Ballet
Awaken, an exquisitely intimate performance inspired by the soft whispers of the forest, features original music composed, sung and orchestrated by Canada’s multi award-winning legend, Ann Mortifee, in collaboration with former Chilliwack band member, Ed Henderson (guitar), and Finn Manniche (cello). The story follows the delightful journey of a young girl and her dog who discover the magical wonders of the forest thanks to guidance from forest sprites.
Community Blog Posts & Resources
Suzanne Simard Forest Panel
Thanks to Laura Lynch and the What on Earth team for this fantastic Earth Day podcast featuring Suzanne Simard, who became famous for her work about how trees communicate through a forest web; Tsimshian scientist Teresa Ryan, Kwakwaka’wakw artist and hereditary chief…
Balancing Nature’s Needs with Fire Protection: Protecting Trees, Dispelling Myths
Are we putting too much emphasis on targetting trees as a fire threat while we trustingly leave our highly flammable, plastic-laden vehicles parked in or next to our residences? Creatively United presents this free webinar/conversation and Q&A with some of BC’s…
Destruction of Esquimalt’s Natural Assets
It appears that due to approved development, the Township of Esquimalt and the Department of National Defence continue to add to the senseless destruction of natural habitat for birds, pollinators, urban wildlife and humans to enjoy. Numerous healthy, mature trees…
Petition: Demand More Garry Oaks and Their Ecosystem are Saved on this Admirals Road Development
Support preserving as much of a rare patch of Garry oak and Douglas-fir ecosystem on an Esquimalt private property earmarked for development as possible, whilst still allowing appropriate development of the site.
When Housing Debates Erase Ecology: The Story of 4015 Braefoot Rd. and the Garry Oak Ecosystem
In spring 2025, a piece of land in Saanich, BC—two acres of former hobby farm at 4015 Braefoot Rd.—became the flashpoint for a wider conflict. It supports a functioning Garry oak meadow and woodland, including approximately 120 mature Garry oak trees.
The Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit
The University of Sussex, UK has created a comprehensive guide to delivering rights-based protection for trees, woodlands and forests. Read more here
Trees More Valuable Standing
If in doubt as to the value of every tree left standing, please take a moment to watch and share this informative 6-minute video made by the Halifax parks department: A Tree for All Trades. This film makes clear the fact that large, mature trees are exponentially more…
Save the Garry Oaks And Tree Canopy on Lynnfield Crescent
The historic Garry Oaks on Lynnfield Crescent are more than just trees; they are living monuments to our shared heritage and an essential part of the urban canopy that enriches our community. These majestic oaks, some which have stood for over two centuries, not only…
Vast Tree Removals Set For Victoria, and Victoria’s OCP Update Means Significantly Fewer Big Trees
The following was posted on the Friends of Vancouver Island Facebook page: Friends of Vancouver Island | Tree Removal Notices Appearing Across Victoria | Facebook “Tree Removal Notices Appearing Across Victoria If you’ve been walking around Victoria lately, you…
Trees Matter Shareable Graphics
Trees are among the hardest working members of our world community. Every day, 24 hours a day, they provide a huge host of incredible services that they receive little thanks or recognition for. Frances Litman created these graphics to visually show some of the many attributes of trees. Please feel free to share these graphics in support of the trees in your neighbourhood.
Learn why trees are so important to our lives and the health of our planet with a charming cartoon tree and facts by local artist Nelson Dewey.
Download: Infographic – Colouring Sheet
4×9 Printable Graphic
