Program Details

Program At-a-Glance

Continuing Education

TIME

CEUs/CECs

8 – 9 am

What's Wrong with Flowering Cherries? Presented by Douglas Justice

There is a love-hate relationship among landscape architects, planners, arborists and citizens regarding flowering cherries. This session will attempt to make sense of the relationship by exploring the beauty and appeal of flowering cherries and their local history, while outlining the factors that make them unsuitable or suitable as components of the urban forest.

ISA: A, T, M, Bm, L
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

9:15 – 10:15 am

COVID-19 and Arboriculture Presented by Alexander Martin

COVID-19 and Arboriculture discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on tree care operations, from both a municipal and private/commercial focus. While industry safety has had to adapt to the pandemic, many companies are seeing an increase in clients as backyard-greening becomes an increased interest. How we interact with our clients and the community is an important consideration. Taking into consideration the World Health Organization’s recommendations for COVID-19, this presentation offers direct, applicable recommendations for the arboriculture industry to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace. Additionally, the presentation discusses COVID-19 fatigue and the ethics of interacting with your employees as a manager/employer.

ISA: A, U, T, M, Bm, L
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

10:30 – 11:30 am

Innovations in Tree Health and Stormwater Usages Presented by Stephen Lovering

Trees in Urban settings have struggled for many years. Our sidewalks/roads are no longer constructed with compacted soil and as a result trees planted in sidewallks and plaza's have a lack of soil volume for their roots, lack the nutrients they need to be healthy and are not providing any of the aesthetic/health and shade benefits that we typically get from trees in green space. "Soil cells" provide the space for soil underneath hardscaped areas and ensure that trees planted in hardscaped areas can thrive for many years to come. We will be discussing how this concept works along with some of the stormwater management benefits that come along with having a mass of soil volume underneath our sidewalks/cycle paths and parking lanes.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

11:45 – 12:45 pm

Using Technology to Improve Safety in Arboriculture  Presented by George Amos

This session will discuss and display the benefits of modern day aboriculture techniques and technology, including the use of electric chainsaws for aerial tree work, and the use of Bluetooth technology for clear communication on the worksite.

ISA: A, T, M, Bp, L
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

12:45 – 1 pm

Product Demonstrations & Q&A

SESSION

CEUs/CECs

8 – 9 am

New Turfgrass Research for Professionals  Presented by Nikolas Wall

Stay current with the latest turfgrass research on drought tolerance, maintenance practices, germination, and improved traits of new turfgrass varieties. Learn about the newest varieties of perennial ryegrass, turf type annual ryegrass, turf type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, microclover and creeping bentgrass. Plus, learn about the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) data analysis and irrigation practices, seed breeding, and the future of turfgrass variety improvements.

WCTA – 1.0 IPM (Landscape & Dispenser)
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

9:15 – 10:15 am

Is Fraise Mowing your field renovation solution?  Presented by Ross Rivers

Fraise mowing is a valuable and cost effective tool for renovation of athletic turf surfaces. It is used in conjunction with other cultural practices to reduce thatch, weed grasses, surface irregularities, clumping, compaction and other issues. It can improve safety, germination and nutrient absorption. This session will discuss the benefits of fraising and compare the process with other renovation practises, assisting turf managers in determining the best methodology for their unique field concerns.

WCTA – 1.0 IPM (Landscape & Dispenser)
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

10:30 – 11:30 am

Asian Giant Hornet  Presented by Paul van Westendorp

The Asian Giant Hornet (AGH) was first detected in Nanaimo in September 2019. Since then, it has also been confirmed in the Fraser Valley and Whatcom County, WA. Comprehensive surveillance programs were initiated on Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley and Washington in 2020 and will continue for several years. This session will share the logisitical challenges of locating an elusive species and the chances of its establishment in British Columbia.

WCTA – 0.5 IPM (Landscape & Dispenser)
ISA: A, M, Bp
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

11:45 - 12:45 pm

The State of the Golf Industry in 2020  Presented by Trevor Smith

Explore the national/provincial economic state of the golf industry going into 2020. Learn about the changes made for the industry to function, within the parameters set by the Federal and Provincial Health Offices during 2020. We will review the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on both the national and provincial golf industry, including statistics provided by collective golf agencies.

PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

12:45 – 1 pm

Product Demonstrations & Q&A

TIME

SESSION

CEUs/CECs

8 – 9 am

Flower Bulbs in the Landscape – Amazing Versatility  Presented by Ben Vandeburgt

Flower bulbs are easy to plant and give a long-lasting show of colour in the landscape. This session will walk through the applications, planning, planting and after-care of spring flowering bulbs. Gain insider knowledge on the best varieties to plant as well as supporting varieties to add to your plantings.

PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

9:15 – 10:15 am

Hives for Humanity - Inclusion of People and Pollinators in Parks  Presented by Sarah Common and Jim McLeod

Hives for Humanity (H4H) will present how they approach fostering inclusion of all people and pollinators in park projects, installing pollinator meadows and honey bee hives, and on transforming urban spaces into opportunities for connection and healing. This session will answer the questions: What is a pollinator meadow, and what plants and trees do honey bees need for foraging, health, and habitat?

ISA: A, T, M, Bm, L
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

10:30 – 11:30 am

Flowering in The Parks  Presented by Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD

Botanicals and flower artistry serve an important function in our environment and parks by balancing our tech-filled lives with natural beauty. This session will highlight techniques to help you create evocative flower shows in our public parks and gardens that connect us with the natural environment, and draw attention to the importance and beauty of a healthy earthscape. Learn how to showcase flower art in parks and how to collaborate between local government departments, floral artists and flower growers. Discover the power of flower shows and how it can bring the community together. 

PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

11:45 - 12:45 pm

The Garden City Lands: Demonstrating Urban Farming in Richmond's City Centre  Presented by Alexander Kurnicki

The Garden City Lands Project is Richmond City's largest park and natural open space. The site is over 136 acres in area, is located on a bog and is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve. This session will highlight the complex planning process of working on this site and discuss the Legacy Landscape Plan which helped guide parks staff in its development. Discover how Richmond showcases urban agriculture, natural interpretation and demonstrates sustainable management in this environmentally sensitive park, and gain knowledge that you can take back to your own workplace.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

12:45 – 1 pm

Product Demonstrations & Q&A

TIME

SESSION

CEUs/CECs

8 – 9 am

Nicomekl Riverfront Park: A park for people, wildlife and water  Presented by Mickella Sjoquist

Surrey's Nicomekl Riverfront Park (NRP) is a future 3km linear park on the south side of the Nicomekl River. It is a pivotal interface between the river, wildlife, and people, and includes wet lowlands, a significant east/west wildlife corridor, and public access routes down to the river. This case study will examine how the NRP will carefully implement green and low-impact technical solutions to address coastal flooding, ecological sensitivity, inclusive social spaces, blue and green recreation, and cultural interpretation. We will also review how Surrey’s Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy will be implemented.

Watch Mickella's invitation to join her at Parks Professional pathways 2021.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

9:15 – 10:15 am

New Westminster’s Urban Forest Management Strategy  Presented by Amelia Needoba and Erika Mashig

In recognition of the urban forest as a valued public resource at risk of decline, the City of New Westminster began to engage the community in a process to develop a city-wide Urban Forest Management Strategy (UFMS) in October 2014. The Strategy, adopted in January 2017, aims to integrate the urban forest into city-wide policy planning and to shift to an interdepartmental approach to the sustainable management of both public and private trees. Learn more about this "all hands on deck" approach, how it was developed and implemented, and gain a better understanding of UFMS' importance, especially with increasing pressure from the demands of development.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

10:30 – 11:30 am

Regional Greenways 2050  Presented by Craig Sobering and Jamie Vala

This session will provide an overview of the process used to develop the Regional Greenways 2050 plan. Metro Vancouver Regional Districts’ Regional Greenways 2050 is a shared vision for a network of recreational multi-use paths. These cycling and walking pathways will connect residents to large parks, protected natural areas, and communities to support regional livability.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

The evolution of local public park engagement – How a global pandemic has created opportunities for dialogue  Presented by Adam Vasilevich

Public use and interest in parks has greatly increased during the current global pandemic. How can we engage with the public to best understand what they need during these interesting times? What is the best method to communicate changes or new ideas when meeting with people is not possible? This presentation will discuss the challenges and some options that have been used in 2020 to engage with park users and involve them with local park decisions.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

12:45 – 1 pm

Product Demonstrations & Q&A

TIME

SESSION

CEUs/CECs

8 – 9 am

Effective Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety  Presented by Dr. Kristin Buhr

This session will help you gain a greater understanding of stress and anxiety by provivding core cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies for managing anxiety. Strategies include establishing a healthy foundation, developing healthier self-talk, learning how to “dial down” physical symptoms of anxiety, and taking steps to face fears head on. Finally, become familiar with key resources for managing anxiety.

ISA: A, U, T, M, Bm, L
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

9:15 – 10:15 am

Everyday Leadership  Presented by Phil Eastwood

Phil Eastwood uses the philosophy behind Joseph Campbell's, "The Hero's Journey" to deliver a powerful and memorable presentation about personal impact + influence, as well as individual responsibility within an organizational setting. Delegates will leave the session with a renewed understanding of the importance of how they should "show up" each day.

Watch Phil's invitation to join him at Parks Professional Pathways 2021.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

10:30 – 11:30 am

Made-in-Canada: Learnings from the Canadian City Parks Report  Presented by Adriana Stark and Jake Tobin Garrett

In July 2020, Park People released its second annual Canadian City Parks Report, which illuminates common trends, challenges and leading practices based on a survey of 27 Canadian cities. With a focus on solutions, this session will dive deep into key learnings about community engagement in biodiversity conservation, equitable park development, inclusive approaches to homelessness in parks, and more. We’ll also discuss the results of Park People’s June 2020 survey of 1,600 Canadians and 51 cities about COVID-19 impacts on park use and the implications moving forward.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

11:45 - 12:45 pm

Leadership Resilience: What is it, and how to achieve it?  Presented by David Lundberg

Resiliency is a hot topic, but what does it mean to be resilient? The old resilience model led us to believe that we needed to hit bottom to bounce back up. That was what resilience meant – overcoming adversity and making life a fight, or struggle. This tactic may work for the short-term, but a leader knows that adversity is something they experience daily: tight deadlines, fluctuating priorities, and unreasonable customer demands are just some of the daily challenges.

The traditional resilience mindset will leave some leaders, managers, and supervisors ill-equipped to carry out their roles. Understanding how your resilience can be strengthened is one of the golden keys of leadership and can lead to long-term success.

ISA: A, M, Bm
PIBC: 1.00 CPL
BCSLA

12:45 – 1 pm

Product Demonstrations & Q&A