Suzanne Simard’s Research Inspires New Book

Suzanne Simard, a scientist based in Nelson, British Columbia, is releasing a new book titled When The Forest Breathes. The book blends scientific research with personal stories, including the deaths of her mother and a colleague, to illustrate the interconnectedness of forests. Simard’s work, which challenges the idea of trees as competitors, emphasizes the importance of old-growth trees and Indigenous knowledge in forest renewal.

She collaborates with both ecologists and Indigenous community members, practicing what she calls “co-production research.” This approach aims to address colonial damage by combining Western science with traditional ecological practices. Simard notes that her work isn’t a short-term project, envisioning a multigenerational effort spanning a century or more.

An Amy Adams-led film adaptation of Simard’s previous book, Finding the Mother Tree, is currently in development, though progress remains slow. Simard plans to use an upcoming sabbatical to begin work on another book, continuing her research and advocacy.