Rooted in the Prairies: Saskatoon’s Urban Forest and Why It Matters

Description: Saskatoon’s urban forest is more than the trees we see in parks — it includes the trees along our streets, in our neighbourhoods, and in our own backyards. Together, they provide shade, improve air and water quality, support wildlife, and help our city adapt to a changing climate.

In this talk, Jeff Boone explores the current state of Saskatoon’s urban forest, the challenges it faces from pests including Dutch elm disease, drought, development, and climate change, and the opportunities to grow a more resilient and diverse canopy. With a practical and hopeful lens, the presentation highlights how we can support and plan for trees in Saskatoon and in surrounding communities.