More than a forest: A living laboratory

The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC, is more than a forest. It is a living laboratory where scientists, students, and communities are tackling urgent challenges in forestry, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. What happens here shapes practices across British Columbia—a province where forests drive the economy and sustain communities—and informs solutions worldwide.

For more than 70 years, the forest has served as both a working forest and a world-class centre for research and education. Spanning 5,157 hectares, it has hosted over 1,000 projects while demonstrating sustainable forestry in practice.

Donors have played a vital role in the forest’s story. The recent redevelopment of the Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre—now a thriving hub for learning and community gatherings—was made possible thanks to philanthropy. As Hélène Marcoux, manager of the forest, says, “Without donor support, the vision would have never occurred.”

Bruce Blackwell is one such donor. A UBC alum who is now the Principal of Blackwell Consulting Ltd., he says the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest was the spark that ignited his career.

“When I reflect on the opportunities I’ve had to be involved in forestry in British Columbia, it all started here and I have really felt I needed to give something back.”

Today, the forest’s role as a living laboratory has never been more vital, providing the knowledge and space to confront urgent challenges facing forests worldwide—and to find solutions for the benefit of our planet.

“We are at the crossroads when it comes to forestry, forest management, and environmental stewardship, where we have to answer these bigger questions—and there’s no better place than the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest to address these issues,” says Dr. Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean of Research Forests & Community Outreach.

Equally important, is the forest’s role as a place of cultural learning and exchange. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓) First Nation, the forest integrates Katzie traditions into its management while supporting cultural uses of the land—ensuring renewal reflects both innovation and respect for the people who have stewarded this place for generations.

“The importance of this area goes so much deeper than what the land actually is,” says Indigenous artist Rain Pierre (sɬə́məx). “My dad always said that this is the living room of our ancestors. I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to provide artwork and I’m just really proud, as a Katzie First Nation member, because I hold this place really close to my heart.”

Yet, despite its importance, much of the forest’s infrastructure—dating back to the 1960s—has outlived its usefulness. Without renewal, the facilities cannot fully meet the demand for cutting-edge research, student training, and community engagement. Therefore, donors will continue to have a vital role to play in the next chapter of the forest.

The Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Renewal Project will create a new Forestry Learning Centre, an Outdoor Research Hub, and renovated accommodations at the historic Marc House. With philanthropic support, these investments will strengthen BC’s forest economy, accelerate innovation in climate adaptation and biodiversity, and open the doors to broader public engagement.

As Marcoux explains: “We’re looking to upgrade and develop a facility that has the capacity for more learning, for more education, for university students, but also for that community outreach.”

“We’re at this pivotal moment where the forestry industry needs to transform itself across all of Canada. And to me, the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is part of that vision.”

Your support will ensure the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest remains a leader in sustainable forestry in British Columbia for generations to come.