People & Culture

Our Green Heart – The Soul and Science of Forests with Diana Beresford-Kroeger

Episode 92

The renowned botanist, biochemist and best-selling author on the wisdom of trees and her new book about the science of forests and the role trees can play in reversing the climate crisis

  • Published Oct 29, 2024
  • Updated Oct 30
Diana Beresford-Kroeger. (Photo: Nasuna Stuart-Ulin)
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There are few greater champions of our trees and forests than Diana Beresford-Kroeger.

From her base in her forest reserve in Eastern Ontario, the Irish-born Beresford-Kroeger has led a decades-long campaign to save our planet’s forests and trees, while working in the fields of medical biochemistry, botany and medicine. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, winner of the RCGS Louie Kamoookak medal and the author of multiple award-winning books including To Speak for the Trees and the documentary Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees. Her latest book is another best-seller: Our Green Heart – The Soul and Science of Forests

There is a lot that’s fascinating and hopeful in this conversation: how the North American king nut tree can solve hunger and aging issues, why oak trees may be the superheroes in the battle against climate change, and the critical link between forests and oceans. Beresford-Kroeger also examines simple, accessible tree-planting solutions to the climate crisis and the links she sees between her traditional Irish Druidic education and the traditional Indigenous knowledge in North America.

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(Photo: Nasuna Stuart-Ulin)
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