Photo credit: Pierre Athanaze, Vice President for Environmental Affairs at Métropole de Lyon
Simard Alley is more than just a newly designated walkway in France—it’s a newly christened landmark named in honour of Dr. Suzanne Simard, renowned UBC Faculty of Forestry ecology professor and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024.
With a budget of nearly €300,000 (approx. $450,000 CAD) and 1,350 locally sourced trees, the alley is located in Parc de Parilly, the largest park in the metropolitan area of Lyon, France. The park is best known for its sports facilities, especially its wide range of athletic fields.
“I’m deeply honoured by this tribute. To have a tree-lined pathway in a public park in France bear my name is not only humbling—it’s profoundly meaningful. Trees are connectors of communities. They remind us that we thrive when we grow in relationship, not isolation,” said Dr. Simard.
Pierre Athanaze, Vice President for Environmental Affairs at Métropole de Lyon, said his team was motivated to revitalize the park because it is so heavily used by the community—hosting approximately 250 events each year. In naming the alley after Simard, Athanaze said they also wanted to highlight the importance of revitalizing biodiversity as a foundation for ecosystem health.
“Dr. Simard’s research reminds us of the vital role that biodiversity plays in ecological resilience. We hope this pathway becomes a place where people can walk, reflect, and reconnect with nature—just as Dr. Simard has taught us to do,” he said.
Pierre Athanaze – Vice President for Environmental Affairs at Métropole de Lyon