Exploring feedbacks between values and co-production of nature’s contributions to people
Overview
From residential landowners to large forest managers, those responsible for trees wield unique power in shaping landscapes and their contributions to nature and society. In what ways do tree communities vary at a landscape-level across different management regimes, and do these variations relate to the values held by tree managers? Our project is centered on exploring the intricate relationship between people and trees within the UNESCO Mont Saint Hilaire Biosphere Reserve. We are investigating the values of trees, their management practices, and the biophysical condition of trees both within and outside forests, encompassing both public and private lands. Through empirical testing, we seek to ascertain whether individuals' values regarding nature influence the physical makeup of landscapes through the co-production of ecosystem services in the form of land management, cultivation, or stewardship.
Project lead: Jackie Hamilton
Collaborators: Heather Brown, Murray Humphries, Elena Bennett