Urban woodlands are essential to healthy cities: not only are they important biodiversity sanctuaries, but they also contribute considerably to human well-being. To preserve their ecological value and maintain the ecosystem goods and services they provide over time, cities are increasingly trying to put in place management strategies and plans for their forests. Informed decision-making implies an understanding of the evolution of urban forest structure and composition over time. However, because of the nature and heterogeneity of the urban environment, woodlands within city boundaries face stresses that are not found in natural settings. In light of these differences between natural and urban forests, the use of traditional monitoring and management strategies in cities introduces considerable bias. The aim of this project, conducted in partnership with Canopée, is to develop a long-term monitoring plan specific to urban woodlands in order to guide decision-making regarding their management and conservation.
