With Ian Allan of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
What are some common misconceptions about trees? How can we foster meaningful experiences with them? In which situations does anthropomorphizing work and not work? Arborist Ian Allan spends most of his time among trees in the 200 hectares of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Wilderness Area that he manages in New South Wales, Australia. He has amassed a treasure trove of stories and insights about the woody giants that surround us and provide so many ecosystems services. Ian joined us to discuss how to connect trees with people — both the initiated and the uninitiated. He also shared some details about a new project being conducted in partnership with a local First Nation.
Guest:
Ian Allan achieved his dream in 2016 by becoming the Supervisor of Natural Areas, Arboriculture, and Open Space at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. With over 20 years of experience, he now looks after one of the best cool climate tree collections in Australia, manages hundreds of hectares of World Heritage quality wilderness, helps present incredible lawns and gardens whilst conserving vulnerable species like the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) and Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii). He still remembers planting his first tree on Arbor Day as part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations. The joy he felt at watching the tree grow, and his curious pondering over its blue-grey compound leaves, would lead him into a lifelong love of the natural world and plants.
Episode 22: Teaching about a circular economy
Episode 21: Indigenous perspectives in inquiry-based learning
Episode 20: Mobile gaming and augmented reality outdoors
Episode 19: Getting students out of their comfort zones
Episode 18: Inclusion and accessibility in the outdoors
Episode 17: Stone Soup to prepare youths for a sustainable world
Episode 16: Using an app to connect to outdoor spaces
Episode 15: A climate solutions game (and Woolly Mammoths!)
Episode 14: Filling gaps in climate ed. according to teens
Episode 13: Talking cli-fi with Guy
Episode 12: Puppetry, upcycling, and a puppet chat!
Episode 11: Boosting the longevity and relevance of school and botanical gardens
Episode 10: Teaching enviro. ed. using comic books
Episode 09: Facilitating children's outdoor play
Episode 08: Climate- and culture-friendly ecotourism
Episode 07: The role of non-profits in the climate change response
Episode 06: Using art and storytelling to protect marine life
Episode 05: Responding to environmental racism
Episode 04: A personal intersection of faith and science
Episode 03: Outdoor learning during a time of physical distancing
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