It might sound like science fiction, but it's been shown that trees communicate with each other in a forest. The world-renowned researcher who studies this phenomena is Dr. Susan Simard at the University of British Columbia's Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences. 
Her studies have uncovered an underground web of fungi which connect the trees and plants in an ecosystem. This mutual relationship or symbiosis shares the forests' resources, allowing the entire system of trees and plants to flourish. 
Dr. Simard found that webs of mycorrhizal fungi  have a mutually beneficial relationship with trees through their roots. Her microscopic experimentation shows that these fungi move carbon, water and nutrients between trees, depending upon their needs.
The saying, "not being able to see the forest for the trees" has some relevance in our experience in the wonderful stands of cedar, fir and hemlock in BC's coastal forests. Visit the Morrell Nature Sanctuary to walk in the forest. 
To see and hear more about Dr. Simard's fascinating research, see the YouTube video, How Trees Talk to Each Other. 

Have you heard of the Khan Academy?  It is a website where you can learn about hundreds of different topics at your open pace without being nagged to donate or follow advertising links. If you have children in school, these modules will keep them learning over the summer break and perhaps give them an advantage in their next grade. 
Students can learn early math by grade, from arithmetic to calculus, or follow a pathway of education in areas such as:

• Science and Engineering
• Computing
• Arts and Humanities
• Economics and Finance

If you'd like a deeper understanding of the biology which sustains our forests, try the Biology learning module at the Academy. It starts with the "scientific method" and proceeds from there. 
Have fun learning at the Kahn Academy!

The volunteers at the Morrell Nature Sanctuary have produced a richly illustrated Guidebook. It is now available and can be purchased for $10 from the main office at the Sanctuary. Proceeds will go to support the wonderful life and learning opportunities which this forest and lake provide to the public. ​

It's what most of us know, sense or intuitively feel when we're in the forest:

In British Columbia, we are fortunate to have access to numerous forests, some with ancient, towering cedar and fir trees. In Nanaimo, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary is an easily accessible, urban forest on land which was purchased by Bill Morrell and donated to Nature Trust for all to enjoy.  It is rich with biodiversity and ever-shifting light, depending on the time of day or season. In rain or shine, this Sanctuary is good for your health!

We are excited to create a new website and blog for the Morrell Nature Sanctuary.
​We're hoping this blog will stimulate others to write about their impressions of the park, and perhaps some suggestions for making this wonderful sanctuary even better. Thank you for visiting us!