The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy is three, 20 minute programs written by Ray Travers, professional forester and Chair of the Eco-forestry Institute Society, and award-winning filmmaker, Edward Homer. The three part series is a practical guide for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, eco-certification and marketing of eco-certified wood products: from the forest to the finished product.
Part One: “The Sustainable Forest”– looks at how all of the systems in the forest interact; soil, wildlife, and different types of trees. This first segment features Merve Wilkinson and his Wildwood Forest in BC, which is a fantastic example of the potential for selective logging. Also covered in this first segment: planning the road system, promoting, and using woodpeckers and birds for insect control and natural regeneration.
Part Two: “Harvesting the Timber” — looks at calculating the volume to be harvested in a selective forest as well as a second growth forest. This segment covers; criteria for selection, falling trees in a sustainable forest, skidding the trees with small skidders and horses with ecoforester, Bob Woods.
Part Three: “Eco-Certification and the New Forest Economy”– looks at Al Hopwood’s woodlot, one of the first woodlots in Canada to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). We tour Al’s operation and he explains the FSC certification process and benefits. We follow the first shipment of eco-certified logs to Sarita Furniture in Port Alberni, BC, a value-added mill that is also certified by FSC.
Subjects: Life Science
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Timber for Tomorrow
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Vancouver Island Marmots – A Critically Endangered Species
This documentary chronicles the plight of the Vancouver Island Marmot – the rarest mammal in North America – and the efforts of the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team. With as few as 100 animals left, this distinct species of marmot (that only exist on Vancouver Island, BC) is an Endangered Species in Canada. Shot on the mountains of Vancouver Island, the program travels with the recovery team biologists as they observe, trap and tag animals for a captive breeding program at the Toronto Zoo. The film includes rare footage of marmots in their natural sub-alpine habitat. One of the colonies profiled is now extirpated. The natural sub-alpine colonies have all but vanished.
There is an update at the end of the film that explains the current status of the animals and lets people know how they can get involved by adopting a marmot, and where to find them on the internet. -
Wildwood: One Tree at a Time
When Merve Wilkinson decided to “selectively” log his 136 acre Wildwood forest (on Vancouver Island, BC) back in 1939, his neighbours thought he was a fool. More than 60 years later, Merve is still logging the same forest and still making part of his living from it every year. His secret? Selective logging. Today, thousands of people come from all over the world to see the trees and talk with the man who has become legendary for creating a truly sustainable forest. The program follows Merve as he selects and harvests trees, instructs a group of eco-forestry students, and explains his methods and philosophy from a lifetime of experiences. The documentary also chronicles the history, and some of the challenges and controversy in the logging industry – from the Clayoquot road blockade to displaced loggers. Both sides are presented illustrating there are no quick and easy solutions.
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Seashore Wonders
In “Seashore Wonders”, host Nicole Busby guides children as they learn how to read a tide table, and what causes the ocean to rise and fall. Viewers discover that the beach is comprised of four different intertidal regions and that a rich diversity of creatures inhabit each region. Periwinkles, limpets, sea stars and a variety of other animals and plants are identified.
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The Secret Forest
The first installment “The Secret Forest” goes on a journey into an old growth rainforest in southwestern British Columbia. Here, children discover there is more to a forest than trees, and that all things interact and depend on each other.
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Wetland Wonders
In “Wetland Wonders”, children discover some of the secrets of a wetland, an ecosystem that most children will have access to, possibly in their neighborhood. Nicole Busby and Tim Johnson host the show and help young people discover the plant and animal life in a wetland. Topics covered include: how to identify a wetland; types of plants you find growing around and in a wetland; life cycle of frogs; why do frogs live in ponds; and some of the unique birds that live around wetlands. Viewers also learn about bird migration and international RAMSAR sites. Canada Geese and the life cycle of a family of geese are also profiled.
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Birdland Serendipity
This DVD will delight people who enjoy the world of birds and birdwatching. The hour-long video features birds in wetlands, backyards, rivers, the seashore and the forest. All of it filmed in the Gulf Islands in the South West Coast of British Columbia. The DVD features Hummingbirds feeding and frolicking, Pileated woodpeckers, a Bald Eagle nest with eaglet and parents, Canada Geese and their goslings, Tohees, Chickadees, Robins, and a nest of baby Robins and more. These DVDs are being used for relaxation as well as dementia and memory therapy for the aged.
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Backyard Surprises
In “Backyard Surprises”, host Nick Longo encourages children to discover that they have an ecosystem right in their own backyard, or possibly their schoolyard. All they have to do is look for it. Nick helps the viewer appreciate the animals and bird life common to many urban and suburban areas of North America. The program also offers tips on how to develop a full-cycle ecosystem and how to attract wildlife to your backyard.
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Science Kids
Wonderscapes’s Science Kids programs allow students to learn all about science related concepts in a very digestible way. The videos are short, to the point, current and very engaging for students. This science series is a must-have for Canadian Schools.
Episodes are available for individual purchase, or the entire 27-episode series may be purchased at a reduced rate.
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Human Body in Action
Human Body in Action focuses on the human body from cells to systems, including the skeletal & muscular systems, the circulatory & respiratory systems and much more. Each video features kids having real-world experiences, along with stunning microphotography and clear, colorful graphics. A recurring theme in the series is the hierarchy of the human body: cells, organs and organ systems. Every program includes an easy-to-replicate, hands-on activity and an interview with an expert in a particular area of science. Teacher’s Guides are included and available online. (10 x 23:00) Please call for Board Level Series Pricing.