The Cycling Fans Who Watch the Trees
When all of Belgium tunes in to watch the Tour of Flanders bicycle race, Pieter De Frenne watches the trees.
They’re only on screen for as long as it takes the peloton to whiz by, but it’s enough for De Frenne to recognize them, log them, and gather a tiny insight into how the planet is changing. That’s because De Frenne is a pro cyclist in his dreams and a pro botanist in real life. And along with a team from the University of Ghent, he figured out that somewhere in Belgium’s annual festival of sore legs, cobbled hills and heady beers, there was climate science to be done.
Trees Are Not Just “For the Birds”
Most bird lovers notice and appreciate trees. Trees are often what we see when looking for the source of that nearby hooting, chirping, tweeting, or twittering. Expert birders may even know which trees are the preferred food source or habitat for our feathered friends. And with increasing concerns about how we will adapt to a changing climate, trees are gaining more attention for the many ecosystem services they provide, particularly in urban environments.
Private Clyde Gladwin Kent
Originally from Lacombe, Alberta, Private Clyde Gladwin Kent was the uncle of current Canadian M.P., the Honourable Peter Kent. Clyde died on the last day of the Passchendaele battle, November 10th, 1917, just one year and a day before the armistice.
Green Heart Project
In the fall of 2017, The Nature Conservancy and partners launched the Green Heart Project to examine the link between neighborhood greenery and holistic human health.