Author Archives: cmenzies
Failing Specimen Arbutus Tree
Seven years ago I blogged about an impressive arbutus tree in what was once a relatively untouched part of campus off Agronomy Road near Main Mall. It was a splendid tree, lush, large, and magnificent. The same tree is greatly … Continue reading
Reconciliation Pole, Main Mall, and a mini-fir forest
One my way home across campus the other day I stumbled across a crew of plant ops folks planting a min-forest of Douglas Fir on the south west edge of the lawn at Thunderbird Crescent, the southern terminus of Main … Continue reading
Xmas Trees
When I was a child my family would load up in the family car and head out of town looking for a suitable place along the highway to stop and cut our annual Christmas tree. Dad would find a spot, … Continue reading
Another one bites the dust
All across campus trees are being removed. It’s the inevitable price of development. Some trees should, of course, be removed. Many of the trees are simply in the way of the grand development plans. There used to be a wonderful … Continue reading
Culturally Modified Trees
All along the BC coast and throughout the interior of the province evidence of ancient human practices can be found. One of the most intriguing is the result of the everyday Indigenous practice of harvesting red cedar bark. Cedar bark … Continue reading
Not really about a tree
This isn’t really about a tree. It is, however, about the removal of something old without notification or consultation. There used to be an old painting of a fish boat and dock. It was hung on the wall in the … Continue reading
Ponderosa Pine at the Ponderosa Centre
The Ponderosa Cafe was a key meeting place for UBC students for at least 30 years. Today, the once busy building has been turned over to UBC administrative activities among other things. You will still find a tiny coffee pit … Continue reading
Someone is saving ‘valuable’ trees at UBC
Someone is saving ‘valuable’ trees at UBC. According to UBC’s community planning page: Valuable trees were recently rescued during a demolition project on UBC’s Vancouver campus. Two buildings—Earth and Ocean Sciences East Building and the Engineering Annex Building—were knocked down … Continue reading
Arbutus Tree
At the north west corner of Agronomy Road and Main Mall stands a grand old arbutus tree. It’s an impressive example. There are few such trees found at UBC these days -more were likely here in the past. I first … Continue reading
Pine trees on Thunderbird Blvd
There used to be a fine row of pine trees growing along Thunderbird Blvd and Eagles Drive. One tree remains at the corner of the Formwerks townhouse development that stands there now. For years prior to the townhouses my partner … Continue reading