Artist Laura Fedynyszyn has partnered with the Invasive Species Centre to present "Memorial for Trees Not Yet Fallen III" at Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works. The exhibition features wreaths made from dried riverbank grapevines adorned with prints of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect currently threatening Ontario’s borders. Drawing inspiration from Victorian-era mourning jewelry, the installation serves as a tangible memento for an ecosystem at risk.
This project highlights the intersection of contemporary art and environmental advocacy by using "anticipatory grief" to drive public awareness. By visualizing the potential destruction of Ontario’s $5.49-billion wine and forestry industries, the exhibition transforms scientific warnings into an emotional experience. It underscores the role of cultural institutions in ecological preservation and the importance of community vigilance in preventing the spread of invasive species.