By Spencer Sterritt

National effort on climate change means 1,000 trees being planted in Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

Jun 15, 2018 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — The Mount Arrowsmith Bioshpere Region is doing its part to curb carbon emissions.

One thousand Douglas fir trees will be planted in the biosphere reserve as part of a larger national initiative to combat carbon pollution. A total of 100,000 trees will be planted at 14 biosphere reserves across the country, specifically to offset the environmental impact of the G7 summit in Quebec.

Mount Arrowsmith coordinator Ashley van Acken said though only one per cent of the trees will be planted locally, the teamwork and collaboration to make it happen is very significant.

“If you can start a the local level and engage people, it really contributes to the big picture globally. We all share the same atmosphere. Air doesn’t just stay in one spot and these types of emissions are shared around the world.”

The biosphere partnered with the City of Parksville, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, Timberwest and Vancouver Island University to make the tree planting a reality.

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Van Acken said everyone’s cooperation shows how easy it is to come together and help save the environment.

“If this inspires people to get on a bike and get out of their vehicle, or start planting more trees and stop clear-cutting their properties, that’s great. If it can touch a few hearts, it’s something that’s going to contribute to a global picture.”

She said this is the first time the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region has taken part in such a wide-scale effort.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit