Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest is one of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s most impressive jewels; bursting with natural beauty that draws many to wander its trails and marvel at the expanse of life within.
Carefully watched over by a dedicated group of volunteers – some of whom have been doing so for nearly 40 years now – the forest spans some 140 hectares and boasts “some of the most beautiful trees in the world,” beams Roger Phillips, a South Surrey resident and one of the original members of Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society.
“People love the forest. I love it.”
A longstanding goal of its stewards has been to instill a connection with the forest among those who walk through it, drive by it and live around it – and even those who have never had the opportunity to surround themselves in it personally.
Enter SAHS’ Foster the Forest initiative.
Launched three years ago, it essentially invites people to invest in the forest – and the society’s ongoing efforts to look after it – by virtually nurturing one of its trees; be that a Douglas fir or cottonwood, or any of the others within its boundaries.
“So when a person drives by on 24th or 20th (avenue), or walks through the forest, there’s a connection,” Phillips said. “They can see a tree that they fostered.”
While the number of trees available for fostering isn’t endless, it is vast. Phillips said so far, those selected for the program are principally Douglas firs that have been standing tall for some 150 years now. People who decide to foster one will receive a certificate from the society, complete with a photo of “their” tree, as well as some of its key characteristics; including the approximate amount of oxygen it produces, how many litres of water goes through it and the support it provides to efforts such as local salmon-enhancement programs.
“We’re trying to let people know – what’s this tree doing for me? what’s this tree doing for the community?” Phillips said. “Sort of showing the whole complexity, and the role that that tree has in this community.”
Where possible, each tree’s Coast Salish name will also be included.
Fosters to date – there are around 30 so far – have hailed from as far away as Australia, said Phillips. He noted the initiative is a virtual experience and does not mark or taint the trees in any way. It also does not transfer ownership of trees to anyone who chooses to foster.
The greenspace – stretching roughly from 20 to 28 Avenue, between 140 and 148 Street – has been a protected urban forest since 1988, following a grassroots campaign, championed also by late forester Roy Strang and others, that succeeded in preserving the second-growth forest from future development.
Once home to such wildlife as bears and cougars, today, it provides refuge and habitat to black-tailed deer, raccoons and coyotes, as well as rabbits, squirrels and a plethora of plant life.
Phillips noted the forest is currently critical in helping western red cedar, which locally are suffering from climatic conditions such as drought followed by periods of cold and wet. Many of the trees along city boulevards had to be removed as a result of their exposure to the elements, he said.
Within the forest, however, it’s a different story: a new generation of the cedars, sheltered by old groves, have reached heights of around 30 feet so far.
“We’re actually seeing an important stage,” Phillips said. “Because of the surrounding trees, the moisture’s being kept more in the soil and those cedars are surviving.
“There’s linkages everywhere,” he continued. “There’s this huge system that’s self-sustaining.
“My philosophy is, trees give us hope. What a magnificent piece of engineering. Trees really do mother the whole system, they mother us.”
The foster program is currently focused on trees that can be seen from the surrounding road systems and within sight of the forest’s main trails. The cost is $100 for 10 years and includes a 10-year membership in the heritage society.
Phillips said interest in it “is beginning to pick up.”
“It’s giving people the opportunity… to take action that has meaning.”
To get involved, or for more information, visit sunnysideacres.ca/foster-the-forest