October General Meeting: Guest Speakers Myles O'Brien and Diana Shermet, "The Role of Urban Forests in Building a More Resilient Richmond Hill"

The importance of Richmond Hill’s trees and forests continues to grow as the city urbanizes and the impacts of climate change intensify. From clean air and storm-water management to shade and aesthetic appeal, trees offer numerous benefits to our community. This presentation explores the current state of our forests – their composition and diversity, their strengths and vulnerabilities – and the various stressors affecting their vitality. In light of the essential role they play in our quality of life, tonight’s speakers will discuss the City’s goals and initiatives for protecting and building healthy forests, and the ways residents can contribute.

A graduate of Queen’s and York Universities, Myles O'Brien is the Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator for the City of Richmond Hill. He develops materials and resources to support the City’s sustainability and climate change initiatives, and works with community groups, schools, and organizations to promote environmental awareness and action.

Also with the City of Richmond Hill, Diana Shermet is a Natural Environment Coordinator for implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan and related Natural Heritage studies, strategies and policies. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and Niagara College, Diana has more than 15 years of experience working with Conservation Authorities focused on ecological monitoring, natural area inventories, invasive species management, ecological restoration planning and implementation, and development plan review.

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Tonight's speakers are planning to attend our meeting in-person. Should plans change, a live video broadcast of their remote participation will be projected onto a large screen in the auditorium.

All general meetings begin with a welcome and general announcements, which precede introduction of the guest speaker. 

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Members: Instructions for participation in this virtual and in-person event will be emailed to members twice - once on the Friday prior to the meeting, and again on Monday. Instructions are also available by logging into our site and checking the "members-only" version of this event. 

Visitors: Guests are welcome to participate in this virtual and in-person event for free. Instructions for participation will be emailed to non-society members who complete the registration process prior to the event start time - click on the "Register" button to begin. 

About In-Person Attendance at the McConaghy Centre: 

• Doors to the auditorium open at 7 pm 
• The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 pm
• Please bring a mug or cup if you would like hot coffee or tea
• All attendees are encouraged to register online for inclusion in door prize draws
• Masks are not required, but are encouraged
• In-person attendees will be able to visit Flower Show entries