Suzanne Simard | Mother Trees and the Social Forest

Video Description

Forest Ecologist Suzanne Simard reveals that trees are part of a complex, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground mycorrhizal networks by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities, and share and exchange resources and support. Simard's extraordinary research and tenacious efforts to raise awareness on the interconnectedness of forest systems, both above and below ground, has revolutionized our understanding of forest ecology. This increasing knowledge is driving a call for more sustainable practices in forestry and land management, ones that develop strategies based on the forest as a whole entity, not on trees as isolated individuals. Dr. Suzanne Simard is a Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest" (pub. 5/4/21). An active field researcher for decades, her scientific studies and observations built the foundations for our new understanding of the complexity of forest systems. Simard's current collaboration The Mother Tree Project, is investigating forest renewal practices that will protect biodiversity, carbon storage and forest regeneration as the climate changes.