Cultivating Urban Forests and Empowering Women in Arboriculture: Katrina Van Osch-Saxon's Journey
In this episode of the Smoko Podcast, we speak with Katrina Van Osch-Saxon, an urban forester, arborist, and professor at Fleming College. Katrina shares her unconventional path into the world of forestry, highlighting how her early experiences with her father's tree care business sparked a lifelong passion for arboriculture.
Katrina discusses the distinctions between traditional forestry and urban forestry, emphasizing the unique challenges of managing trees within city environments. She underscores the importance of education in raising awareness about invasive species and forest health, recounting moments that highlight the necessity of understanding these small but impactful creatures.
Beyond her academic role, Katrina is a strong advocate for women's participation in forestry. She co-developed the Women in Trees program, aiming to encourage women to consider careers in forestry and related fields. The program has seen women of all ages and backgrounds climbing trees and engaging with forestry, breaking traditional gender roles in the industry.
Additionally, Katrina shares her personal journey into homesteading, discussing how she began growing and preserving her own food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by YouTube channels like Roots of Refuge, she offers practical advice for those looking to live a more self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.
“Forestry wasn’t my first love, but it’s turned into something I couldn’t give up.”
– Katrina Van Osch-Saxon
Listen to the Episode
Smoko Podcast: Katrina Van Osch-Saxon on Spotify