Submitted by UNBC Communications
The University of Northern British Columbia continued to deepen its connection with the rare inland rainforest in the Upper Fraser River Valley at its annual Green Day celebrations on Jan. 27th.
Known as the Ancient Forest, it features trees estimated to be over 1,000 years in age and has been a focal point for UNBC research for many years.
“The Ancient Forest provides UNBC researchers a unique opportunity to study an inland rainforest just over 100 km from the Prince George campus,” says UNBC Ecosystem Science and Management Professor Darwyn Coxson.
“Faculty members and students across disciplines ranging from biology to forestry to environmental studies have studied the unique attributes of the microclimate which has resulted in a better understanding of how to conserve and manage the ecosystem.”
A photo exhibit highlighting the Ancient Forest’s importance, research potential, and awe-inspiring beauty is on display at the Rotunda Gallery located in the atrium of the Research Laboratory building at UNBC. The display includes information on the push to make the Ancient Forest a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The new exhibit was one of the centerpieces of this year’s Green Day events at the Prince George campus.
The Ancient Forest is an inland rainforest located 113 km east of Prince George along Highway 16. Originally slated for harvesting in 2006, UNBC students and researchers were among those who helped ensure the area was protected and declared off-limits to logging. Since then UNBC research has focused on everything from the variety of lichens in the forest, to the cultural value of the region, to the tourism potential of the forest.
