Are we destroying our forests without realizing it? That's the bold question at the heart of an upcoming event that promises to challenge everything you thought you knew about forest harvesting. But here's where it gets controversial: what if the traditional methods we've relied on for decades are actually harming our ecosystems more than helping them? On February 21, 2026, the UBC Research Forest in Maple Ridge is hosting an event that dares to ask this very question—and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Titled Not-So-Clear-Cut: Rethinking How We Harvest Forests, this eye-opening experience will unfold in two sessions, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (14500 Silver Valley Rd.). Led by none other than Dr. Suzanne Simard—a world-renowned professor, author of Finding the Mother Tree, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People—alongside Hélène Marcoux, the forest’s director and forester, this isn’t your average nature walk. With over 10 million views on her TED Talks, Dr. Simard brings a wealth of knowledge that’s both groundbreaking and, at times, polarizing.
During the two-hour guided hike, participants will delve into the often-overlooked world of tree retention forestry. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about saving trees—it’s about preserving soil carbon, bolstering ecosystem resilience, and rethinking the very way we approach logging. Along the 1-2 km trail, you’ll witness recent forest operations up close, explore how logging equipment and harvest decisions reshape the land, and see firsthand the remnants of clear-cutting practices. It’s a hands-on, rain-or-shine experience that promises to leave you questioning the status quo.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: clear-cutting has long been a staple of the forestry industry, prized for its efficiency and profitability. So, why fix what isn’t broken? Dr. Simard and Marcoux argue that the trade-offs—like soil degradation and biodiversity loss—are too steep to ignore. This event isn’t just about presenting alternatives; it’s about sparking a conversation that could redefine our relationship with forests. Is tree retention forestry the future, or is it an idealistic approach that doesn’t account for economic realities? We’re not here to give you the answers—we’re here to invite you to ask the tough questions.
Tickets are $35 plus GST, and spaces are limited. Whether you’re a forestry enthusiast, an environmental advocate, or simply someone who cares about the planet’s future, this event is for you. For more information, email wild.immersive@ubc.ca or call 604-463-8148. Ready to join the debate? Register online at mkrf.forestry.ubc.ca.
What do you think? Is clear-cutting a necessary evil, or is it time to embrace more sustainable practices? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation growing.
