The Mackenzie Region of Alberta will debut a new animated mascot during National Forest Week.
“Boris the Spruce Tree” is set to become Northwestern Alberta’s “boreal buddy” as a way to open up a line of communication between the region’s young people and the boreal forest.
The Mackenzie Region is nearly 80,000 square kilometres in size, mostly consisting of forest, with more than 70 per cent of Mackenzie Region residents working in forestry in “some capacity.”
Due to its immense size, and critical role in Alberta’s economy, officials suggested that a connection between the region’s youth and the forest itself was necessary, leading to the development of the forest’s newest friend Boris.
National Forest Week takes place from September 22nd to the 28th, and approximately 5,500 students will get a sneak peek of Boris in his animated music video before his official public unveiling on October 9th during the Alberta Forest Products Association’s conference in Banff.
Boris’ Adventure was created by Kathleen and Dražen Rukavina of Long Sleeve Productions, which features a blend of animation and real-life footage within the Boreal Forest, and is described by its creators as a “mix between a nature show and an interactive video game.”
