The Transformative Forest Ecosystem: A Bowen Island Story
The Transformative Forest Ecosystem: A Bowen Island Story
By Liz Lougheed Green
We marveled at the interconnectedness of the forest.
In the early days of the Core Transformation teamwork, a small group found ourselves on Bowen Island for a day.The day was filled with thoughtful discussions, planning and stories.
At one point, we decided to take a moment to pause and reflect. We ventured into an area of old growth forest on the island, seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with nature.
The forest we entered was majestic. Enormous trees with thick, towering trunks reached high into the sky, their lush green canopy forming a natural cathedral above us. As we walked further, we discovered a beautiful bench, seemingly crafted from the same trees that surrounded us. The forest floor was moist, with that earthy scent typical of the environment.
We sat on the bench, looking up as far as we could see into the treetops. It was a serene moment, and as we sat there, we began to reflect on something we drew up from the far reaches of our minds—that trees communicate with each other. Through mycorrhizal networks, they share water, nutrients, and even distress signals about drought, disease or insect attacks. Other trees respond to these signals, altering their behavior to support one another. This fascinating natural phenomenon sparked a profound conversation among us.
We marveled at the interconnectedness of the forest and how every component played a crucial role in its health and survival. It dawned on us that this forest was a perfect metaphor for our organization and the collective transformation we were striving for at the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC). Like the forest, our community is deeply interconnected, with each member contributing to the overall well-being and growth of the whole.
As we sat in that peaceful forest, we felt a deep sense of purpose and connection to our work. We left Bowen Island with intentions to lean into this metaphor of the forest ecosystem. The metaphor continues to inspire us as we navigate our transformation journey. It reminds us that every component of our community has deep meaning and plays a vital role in our collective success. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and capable of creating a just, equitable and caring society.
Forest photos woven throughout the Strategic Framework were taken by Chris Corrigan, friend of neighbourhood houses from his home on Nex̱wlélex̱wm - Squamish name for Bowen Island
