University of Waterloo's urban forest recently designated a national healing forest
David Suzuki Foundation designation makes this the 1st healing forest in Waterloo region
In the middle of the University of Waterloo (UW) campus lies a small five-hectare urban forest that has recently been designated a national healing forest.
The area boasts a creek bed that runs the length of the forest, marshy flood plains and beautiful trees native to Ontario, like sugar maples, ironwoods and black cherry trees.
Waterloo's healing forest will serve as a dedicated place for healing, learning, sharing and reflecting on Canada's history, and the legacy of residential schools.
Kelsey Leonard is an assistant professor with the faculty of environment at UW. She is also the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous waters, climate and sustainability, and a member of the faculty's Indigenous Curriculum Working Group. She said the curriculum group will be working with the community, local Indigenous Nations, faculty and students to define a shared vision for the forest.
"We want it to be a co-design process, to really ask the question how can we heal the forest and how can the forest heal us," Leonard said.
Students and faculty at UW have already begun creating a digital handbook and walking tour of the forest.
Another key priority for the university will be to restore the forest by ridding it of invasive species such as garlic mustard and buckthorn trees.
"Our ecology lab and faculty across the university have been working ... to do restoration efforts," said Leonard.
"We can learn more from students and community about what else they'd like to see in this space."