Designing for Biodiversity

“Nature-based solutions are one of the most powerful tools we have to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while at the same time, these solutions can provide benefits for biodiversity. For example, large amounts of carbon dioxide are stored in the soil and plant life of forests, wetlands, grasslands and in oceans. Conserving these carbon-rich ecosystems allows carbon to be absorbed and prevents carbon from releasing into the atmosphere, while simultaneously supporting biodiversity” (Government of Canada, 2023).

“In the life of a forest, we are here for a very short time” (Habitat Acquisition Trust, 2022). So, how can landscape horticulturalists connect with nature, develop a relationship with the land they are on and acknowledge their role in changing the environment through construction activities? The next videos are an example of people who have been inspired and feel connected to spaces and places and developed a relationship with the environments that they contribute to and disrupt.

“What is the connection between nature and art? How do you find inspiration in your surroundings? Join Australian Indigenous artist Grant Malony as he explores rainforests, ocean and wildlife in his search for inspiration in British Columbia. While exploring the Pacific rainforests with Mike Willie (T’ɬalis) of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, and Sea Wolf Adventures owner, Grant Malony spots deer in the wild, and photographs a variety of trees covered in moss and plants. The rainforests living Canada’s west coast are filled with ancient trees stretching well above the ground, providing visitors an opportunity to connect with the land” (Canada Explore, 2019).
Video credit: Finding Inspiration in the Rainforests of British Columbia, Canada, (Canada Explore, 2019)

“This virtual short film screening & discussion offered an opportunity for attendees to watch and learn about some of the habitat stewardship projects landowners in the community are working on, while connecting with these amazing individuals … Property owners have many questions about how to find a balanced approach working on the land (in harmony) with nature, rather than against it. From gardening to tree care, invasive species removal to wildlife monitoring, the Good Neighbours Program provides landowners with the tools to be habitat stewards of natural ecosystems around them. Each year, HAT meets with the landowners in a particular community, watershed, or neighbourhood to discuss habitat stewardship options. This short film features four inspirational stories of landowners on their journey through stewardship, and what they discovered along the way” (Habitat Aquisition Trust, 2022)
Video credit: Being a Good Neighbour to Nature, (Habitat Acquisition Trust, 2022)

Teaching and Learning Examples for Instructors

Title: My Favourite Plant | Objective: To encourage participants to share their favourite plants and the family connections they have with them | Purpose: to build a community of learners centred around family connections and plants.

Reflect

Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please use the following questions to guide your reflection:

  1. What does biodiversity mean to you, and how do you incorporate biodiverse practices into your work?
  2. What role do you feel you have in changing the landscape, and how can you promote biodiversity and restore and rejuvenate the ecosystem and environmental health?
  3. How can you be a good neighbour to your ecosystem in your role as a Horticulturalist?

License

Icon for the Public Domain license

This work (Charting a Path to Greening the Trades by Regenerate (to renew/restore/respect)) is free of known copyright restrictions.

Share This Book

Feedback/Errata

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *