Morning presentations
(23 Nov 2024; 10:00am-12:30pm):

Old-growth Forests, Canopies and Carbon: Research studies from Tasmania and the world.

The challenges of surveying and studying the biodiversity in the tree canopy. Presented by Dr. Jen Sanger who is a forest ecologist and has had a varied career studying many different aspects of trees and forest ecosystems. She will share with us the climate change impacts to forest ecosystems, through her exploration of the canopies of tropical forests around the world and the Eucalypt forests of Tasmania, to learning why protecting forests is good for climate change.

Big Trees in Tasmania.

Mr. Steve Pearce will discuss how Tasmania has some of the tallest and biggest trees in the world. Steve’s talk will cover topics such as why Tasmania’s trees are globally unique, how giant trees are found, and what we are doing to protect them.

Interactive session (in the Arboretum at large):

Steve Pearce will demonstrate how he and Dr. Jen gain access to the tree canopy to do their research, using the beautiful eucalypts in the Arboretum.

Background.

Dr. Sanger and Mr. Pearce run “The Tree Projects” which is an environmental outreach organisation that educates and inspires people about trees and forests, and why it is important to protect them. They work mostly in Tasmania, but are also involved in projects interstate and overseas. At The Tree Projects they advocate strongly for forest protection. They have published several leading reports which highlight why it is important to protect our forests for the climate and for protecting our wildlife.

They also strongly advocate for people to go out and visit forests. The Big Tree State project encourages people to visit Tasmania’s giant trees, as well as, a report which outlines how a low intensity tourist industry focused around big trees can provide a sustainable alternative to logging. They choose to take a positive, celebratory approach to life. They want to foster awe and appreciation for our natural world, by a wide range of people. So, they are here to show people the beauty of the world that we live in, and share with them our incredible forests.