The Institute of Forestry and Conservation is a unified body of interdisciplinary, diverse, dedicated, and innovative natural, engineering and social scientists.
We are on the leading edge of research, providing unique, integrative, and applied education in:
- Forest conservation science
- Forest ecosystem management
- Forest governance and policy
- Urban forestry
- Biomass utilization for sustainable bio-based materials and chemical products
Our programs produce future leaders in these same fields, and our research drives the practices and decisions of current leaders tasked with successfully managing the competing demands placed on Ontario’s, Canada’s and the world’s forests in the context of social and environmental change.
Our Mission
- Maintain and enhance our leadership role in producing and communicating knowledge that enables the sustainable management of the world’s forests.
- Educate tomorrow’s leaders in forest conservation science, forest ecosystem management, forest governance and policy, and biomass utilization by building upon our excellent interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach.
Our Vision, a world where:
- Forests are the essential component of a healthy, sustainable, socially just and prosperous society with resilient and adaptable social and ecological systems.
- Landscapes are structured to support trees, forests and living systems in and amongst human habitats.
- Degraded ecosystems are restored and intact ecosystems are preserved.
- People feel connected to nature and live with an awareness of their impact on the environment and its connection to their own health.
The Institute of Forestry and Conservation stems from a long history of forestry education within the University of Toronto. Our location in downtown Toronto has allowed us to build an extensive and diverse community of collaborators. We are an engaged organization that participates in ongoing public discussions about current issues in forestry, forest conservation, wood science and biomass utilization, enabling us to meet the needs of the public, private and non-profit sector for information that solves problems and creates opportunities.
Our students are connected to thought leaders, industry representatives, NGOs and government personnel through field trips and extra-curricular activities, broadening their knowledge and potential employment opportunities, and giving them a good understanding of industry, government and public perspectives of forestry issues and practices.