April 24, 2008

Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca

UFV geography students get involved with Arbour Day

Ever since it was first established by American politician Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbour Day has been an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate trees.

And while we all know the basic science of why trees are so important, a group of undergrad students from the University of the Fraser Valley are revealing even more scientific data about trees and their many connections to the ecosystems we live in.

“The students have all conducted scientific research with a connection to trees,” says UFV geography instructor Garry Fehr. “Arbour Day is a great opportunity to share their research. We have three different projects and each one shows the very important role trees have in our ecosystem.”

The students will be explaining their research at Abbotsford’s Arbour Day celebration at Mill Lake Park, on Friday, May 1. They will set up their research presentations alongside a number of displays from the City of Abbotsford, BC Hydro, and other local groups.

UFV student Gabrielle Thomson will be on hand to talk about her research, which describes how tree-borne lichens are indicators of the long-term effects of air pollution because they take all of their nutrients from the air. Thomson’s research is key to the Arbour Day activities, says Fehr, because several of her study locations are actually in Mill Lake Park.

Third-year student Alanna Schuurmans will also be available to talk about her project, which examines the correlation between salmon returns and tree growth. UFV geography instructor Jonathan Hughes will have two research posters on display: one, co-authored with UFV student Kevin Vanderboom, demonstrates the usefulness of tree rings to interpret the timing and magnitude of past earthquakes in north western North America.

“Large earthquake events shake trees very intensely to the point where they cause the tree to fracture in ways that are different than in strong windstorms,” explains Fehr. “These fractures fill with pitch thereby allowing scientists to date the event by connecting the fracture to the appropriate tree rings.”

It is research like this that the university wants to share with the general public and that’s another reason why Fehr is happy UFV is participating in Arbour Day activities.

“With our expanding population, more and more trees are being cut down,” Fehr adds. “But we really need to re-examine their role beyond just aesthetics. We need to stop and think about the ecological services that trees provide.”

Other activities during Abbotsford’s Arbour Day celebrations include a tree ring count, tree planting by the mayor, trail walk, and owl display. The event takes place Friday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is free to attend. All activities take place in Mill Lake Park, near Centennial Pool, located off Emerson Street.

UFV’s Geography department offers both BA and BSc degrees in major or minor format. In the BA program there are several options including honours, extended minor, and extended studies. In the BSc program, options include an honours degree or extended studies. For more information about UFV’s geography options, please visit www.ufv.ca/geography .

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