I have always loved trees.
However, growing up in a suburban neighbourhood just north of Toronto, it took me a while to discover just how much I loved trees. So much that I would want to focus my graduate studies and work around the development of our urban forest.
I was exposed to the buzz of cities from an early age. Family vacations were focused on weaving between Manhattan's attractions, climbing San Francisco's streetscape, and striding along LA's busy boardwalks. Intrigued by the thought of spending some time in nature, one summer I convinced my entire family to take a camping trip just north of Toronto. While everyone else was more than happy to pack up the next day after a thunderstorm under the stars, I kind of loved it.
After moving to Montreal for university, I often took refuge from the stresses of city life by finding the perfect tree at the top of Mount Royal, or winding through the paths of the unique urban park in the heart of the city.
Phragmites.... so invasive, yet so fun to frolic through in the winter!
Returning to Toronto, I began volunteering with local urban agriculture organizations, helping to grow food in the city and developed my passion for greening community spaces. I took my first job with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, learning the ins and outs of how government policy is formed, and the effective change it can help shape.
I am now interested in combining my knowledge of policy work with my passion for transforming urban spaces into thriving green pockets around the city. Last fall I returned to school for my Masters in Landscape Architecture. I have spent this year tackling computer design programs, laser-cutting imaginary contours, and exploring solutions for large-scale urban issues, such as improving storm water management.
I am so excited to be working with LEAF this summer, an organization that is affecting on-the ground change through developing our urban tree canopy while engaging community residents (like me!) to be active players in this process. As our cities and surrounding suburbs expand, LEAF’s work couldn’t be more important to me and I’m thrilled to be joining the team!
Tamar Pister is the Community Outreach Assistant at LEAF.