Latest IDENT paper out in Nature! Which tree species fix the most carbon?
To answer this important question, an international consortium of scientists, coordinated by INRAE and Bordeaux Sciences Agro, studied the growth of 223 tree species planted in 160 experimental forests in different parts of the world. They found that conservative species, which are the most efficient at conserving their resources (nutrients, water, energy), generally grow faster in forests. These findings, which are available to forest managers and were published on March 19th in Nature, highlight the central role of local conditions in tree growth.
Consult the full article at the link below.
Publication in Ecology from lab alumni Laura Williams
Laura Williams and serveral researchers within the IDENT network have just published an article in Ecology titled: Tree diversity shapes the spectral signature of light transmittance in developing forests. The study examines how tree species diversity influences the spectral profile of light transmitted through forest canopies. It finds that canopy transmittance declines with increasing leaf area and varies by species composition, affecting light quality in ways that may impact forest ecosystem function.
Congratulations to the entire team! Click to link below to consult the full article.
Matthias and Clément start their internship with the PaqLab
The PaqLab and the Urban forest research chair are pleased to welcome two new interns to the team - Matthias and Clément. Matthias is a third year environmental engineering student from France who joins us for a 4 month internship to work on Laura's URBIRDS project. Clément is in his final year of a Master's in geomatics and remote sensing program in France. For his 6 month internship abroad, he will work to create a centralized database and interactive platform for the Chair's Urban Observatory project.
A warm welcome to you both!
Quand la science ressemble à l'art : fabrication d'arthropodes en pâte à modeler pour le projet URBIRDS !
Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé à quoi ressemble un stage au PaqLab ? Ce n’est pas toujours ce que l’on imagine – parfois, cela ressemble beaucoup à un moment de jeu libre en maternelle ! Les préparatifs de terrain pour le projet URBIRDS (Laura Schillé, postdoc) battent leur plein, et cela signifie qu’il faut fabriquer des centaines de chenilles, araignées et fourmis en pâte à modeler. L’objectif est d’utiliser ces arthropodes factices pour mesurer la prédation par les oiseaux cet été.
Un immense merci à deux des nouveaux stagiaires du PaqLab, Matthieu et Matthias, qui se sont attaqués à cette tâche monumentale. Une fois cette étape terminée, ils passeront à la construction des pièges photographiques !
Two new publications for Emma!
Emma Bacon (MSc student at the PaqLab and Ziter lab) has contributed to two publications which have recently been released!
The first study examines the representation and engagement of Indigenous Peoples in urban forest management plans (UFMPs) across Canada and the U.S. After uncovering that Indigenous perspectives are largely underrepresented, with only a small fraction of UFMPs acknowledging Indigenous history, engagement, or reconciliation, the study highlights the need for greater inclusion of Indigenous voices in urban forestry to promote recognitional justice, co-governance, and sustainable urban planning.
The second study provides the first national assessment of street tree structural diversity in Canada's urban forests. It finds that smaller trees dominate city streets, with no municipality meeting recommended size class distributions. The results emphasize the importance of protecting large, mature trees to maintain ecosystem services and urban forest resilience.
Congratulations Emma on all your hard efforts coming to fruition!