2011 Spreading Roots Conference Recap.
If you haven’t already done so please don’t miss our Summary of the 2011 Conference Spreading Roots in partnership with Toronto Botanical Gardens. This will take you to the presentation links for speakers whose presentations have been made available.
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Reclaimed Ash (Victims of EAB)
“We have this history of impossible solutions to insoluble problems.” Will Eisner
A shining example of man’s ability to make a tragic situation at least positive in some way.
Cory Lavigne Architect at INForm Studio won the American Institute of Architects AIA Michigan and Detroit Honor Award. The Jury commented, ” This project shows a great sensitivity towards the timeless hallmarks of great design: space, materiality, lighting, form. The detailing is excellent; inventive design combined with rigorous execution.”
http://www.in-formstudio.com/architecture_projects_library.html
The developers of the Traverwood Branch of the AADL took a unique approach to the building process by harvesting hundreds of ash trees dead or dying from Emerald Ash Borer and reusing the trees in the construction of the building. ‘Up From Ashes,’ captures each step of the Traverwood Branch construction process, a process that combined both primitive and modern construction methods.The Ann Arbor Traverwood Library is featured in a documentary called “Up from the Ashes” by Director and Cinematographer Bill Kubota. Visit the following link for more info about the film. http://www.kdnfilms.com/upfromashes-update.html
http://www.architectmagazine.com/community-projects/traverwood-branch-library.aspx
Alternatives Journal article “Keepers”
We are pleased to share with you an article written by our very own Vice President Brenlee Robinson. “Keepers- New legislation allows you to designate heritage trees” was written for Alternatives Journal http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/ December 2011 Issue 38.1 Alternatives Journal, Canada’s national environmental magazine, delivers thoughtful analysis and intelligent debate on Canadian and world environmental issues, the latest news and ideas, as well as profiles of environmental leaders who are making a difference. Never predictable, always on the edge, the publication focuses on how we can move forward. http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/
Urban Canopy up close
Connecting with the urban forest is being made entertaining in novel ways. Whether it is strolling along a walkway in a botanical garden or zip-lining through the forest canopy people are getting close to nature. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is home to the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 600-ft/ 180m long 12 ft/ 3m wide skywalk from a bluff into the branches of hardwoods (oaks, hickories and poplars) that allows the visitors to take in the aerial view of the urban forest from around 40 feet in the air through the treetops of the Storza Woods.
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit/locations/canopy-walk
http://www.treetoptrekking.com
Inventive ways to attract people to the forest has been a successful undertaking in Ontario. An Eco-tourism success story with franchises located across Canada and the U.S. Abraska Treetops combines engineering, design and trained Guides to make their aerial tree adventures safe, educational & entertaining. Bookings can be made for adults, children, clubs and groups of all types. Whether Adult or child there are activities to suit beginner, intermediate or advanced; tree climbing, zip lining, tarzan nets, monkey lines, night climbing, nature trails and more.
Photo by Mike Pochwat
