Cardou Lab

I’m an MSc student studying how urbanization and water availability shape plant communities in naturally regenerated no-mow areas across Calgary. My research highlights the ecological value of these often-overlooked spaces, showing how their growth supports biodiversity and contributes to climate resilience. I’m particularly interested in how informal green spaces can be integrated into urban planning to enhance sustainability, beauty, and livability. Beyond my research, I’m passionate about conservation and understanding the roles of woodlands and herbaceous communities in maintaining ecological stability. In the long term, I aim to build a career in conservation, focused on protecting and restoring ecosystems through applied research and collaborative stewardship.

I am interested in the long term health of urban woodlands, which include the portions of the urban canopy that are self-regenerating. My research investigates tree regeneration dynamics across an urbanization gradient in the Greater Toronto Area. Using long-term monitoring data collected by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, my work focuses on the abundance, composition and stability of seedling, sapling and canopy trees. The main goal is to understand how the pressures of urbanization can impact tree regeneration. Outside of my research, I play on the Premier Senior Women’s rugby team with the Canucks RFC, and enjoy hiking and backpacking.

Co-supervision: Lyndsay Cartwright (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority)

I am an Environmental Science major concentrating in Biology, with future career goals related to conservation and ecological restoration. Currently, my academic work focuses on the development and classification of mini-Forest creation across Calgary. Particularly, the investigation into each potential species used, with an end goal of improving mini-Forest creation (and thus, green biodiversity and canopy cover). Through this experience, I aim to gain a better understanding of Calgary’s native flora and respective traits, as well as general plant ecological behavior. Taken together, I intend to move forward with this knowledge to further foster a greener Calgary.

Co-supervision: Ariane Cantin (University of Calgary), Heather Addy (Calgary Climate Hub)