free webinar by Professor Younes Alila of the University of British Columbia Forestry Department: “Our Losing Battle with Nature– Transition or Destiny.” May 30, 2023 | 12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M.   [Register Now]. 

Professor Alila will be one of our featured speakers later this year, so this is a great chance to glimpse a preview. Here’s the blurb: “Climate change has elevated the risk of extreme weather the world over. In British Columbia, a natural flood risk mitigator lies all around us in the water-absorbing power of trees. In fact, research has shown that even a modest loss of forest cover due to wildfire, logging and disease can cause surprisingly large increases in the frequency of extreme floods. Will dykes, dams and levees be enough to protect against property loss and devastation from floods in the future? How can nature-based solutions, such as forests, and the restoration of natural floodplains and wetlands contribute to flood mitigation? What considerations need to be taken as BC develops its flood risk management strategy?”

“We have also identified another speaker Herb Hammond. Herb is a retired forester and the voice you’ll hear in this 4-minute video about the Peachland watershed, which bears an eerie resemblance to Jetty Creek.”  Herb  wrote  “I have spent decades working to protect watersheds, with much of my focus being on watersheds used for consumptive use.  However, the principles that govern forest hydrology and what is needed to protect water apply to any watershed.”