Photography by John Lehmann
As we look forward to the Greenheart TreeWalk reopening today, we sat down with Ian Green, one of the founders of Greenheart, to discuss the story behind this unique tree walk and its significance. In our conversation, Ian shares the inspiration and design process that brought the TreeWalk to life, as well as the importance of connecting people with nature. By immersing guests in the forest canopy, the tree walk offers a rare opportunity to experience the natural world from a new perspective, helping visitors develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment around them.
Introduce yourself to us!
I’m Ian Green, one of the founders of Greenheart. I grew up in Vancouver and studied human kinetics and health at the University of British Columbia. Through Greenheart, we focus on creating tree walks that let people experience nature without leaving a trace. We’re fortunate to be in a coastal temperate rainforest here, home to towering trees like western red cedars and Douglas firs, as well as rare plants from Asia. The Greenheart TreeWalk is 308 meters long, with 10 suspension bridges, offering a rare view of the forest canopy. We’ve also built similar projects in countries like Rwanda, Nigeria, and Peru, with the goal of educating people about nature while minimizing environmental impact. The more people are surrounded by nature, the easier it is to appreciate its importance.
What was the vision behind the Greenheart TreeWalk’s design, and how does it highlight the unique features of the garden?
The design of the Greenheart TreeWalk at UBC Botanical Gardens began in 2004, in collaboration with Douglas Justice, the Associate Director of Horticulture and Curation at the garden. We focused on the back section of the garden, which is an extraordinary space. Despite some past logging, the area still has trees over 500 years old, providing a unique opportunity to see how the forest has naturally regenerated. This section combines our coastal temperate rainforest with rare plants from Asia. In the spring, visitors will witness the vibrant blooms of magnolias and rhododendrons from the canopy—an incredible experience from up above.
The location of the tree walk was carefully selected, balancing urban accessibility with the need to preserve the forest’s health. Urban forests are just as important as remote ones, and a well-managed forest offers immense ecological benefits. The tree walk itself is anchored by a 22.5-meter geodesic viewing tower, built using micropile anchors with drilled holes in the ground. The tower was constructed in stages, reaching a height about a third of the tallest trees. From here, visitors get a rare, mid-level view of the forest canopy, offering a perspective few people will ever experience. The design and construction process focused on blending seamlessly with the environment while providing a unique, immersive experience for everyone.
How was the Greenheart TreeWalk designed to harmonize with the natural environment while minimizing its ecological impact?
The treeWalk spans 308 meters, with each bridge made of aluminum. The choice of aluminum was intentional, given our West Coast climate, where the salty air and weather can be tough on materials. Aluminum is durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for this environment. The bridges are perforated, allowing light and water to pass through, and are lightweight—each tree platform weighs only 600 pounds. The bridges are designed to be narrow and slightly movable. This allows the trees to move naturally, and the narrow design keeps the load low, so visitors move single file across each bridge to the tree platforms. The experience is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so feel free to take your time. And when you reach the top of the tower, you’re welcome to spend the day soaking in the view.
What makes the Greenheart TreeWalk a must-visit experience, and what can visitors look forward to this season?
I’m really excited to see everyone come back out to the TreeWalk this year. We’ll be reopening on April 1st, and if we don’t, consider it an April Fool’s joke! But seriously, we can’t wait to welcome you. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than experiencing the cool, refreshing coastal temperate rainforest. We’d love for you to come visit and enjoy the forest.
Written by Katrina Yu
Marketing and Communications Assistant at UBC Botanical Garden