On a beautiful Saturday morning in June, it was a pleasure to present information on the importance of our heritage trees that can affect our lives, on behalf of the Ontario Urban Forestry Council (OUFC). Heritage trees act as a reminder of how over decades and centuries they continue to provide many benefits to us and the natural environment.
The Ontario Heritage Act does provide some tools to help elevate the conversation on the importance of our cultural history through trees.
Ontario Urban forest Council and Forest Ontario do have a program to recognize historic trees in our neighbourhoods. Information at:
http://www.forestsontario.ca/community/in-the-spotlight/heritage-trees/
The morning was full of information presented by Sven Gleiser and Emma Thurston on a technique of growing nursery stock based on the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh system to minimize damage to roots and help prevent circling of roots as found in pots. The current practice of extracting a potted plant out of the container and slashing circling roots around the perimeter areas, causing untold damage and plant stress can be eliminated.
Edith George shared her wonderful story on the historic Red Oak in her neighbourhood and how it rated in terms of historic and cultural significance. A truly captivating presentation of how in all seasons this tree can have a majestic impact.
The afternoon was capped off with a tour of the area leading to the Necropolis cemetery, the Oldest one in the city dating from 1850, with its spectacular collection of trees and plants that have been cared for the the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries over the last number of decades.
The colours of some of the plants flowers and scents presented was amazing. To see trees that surpass 125 years old that provide so many benefits to the casual walker or the local wild life was a pleasure to experience.
We look forward to future events of this kind to share in the local opportunities to talk about trees and the myriad of benefits they provide.
On behalf of the Ontario Urban Forest Council,
Peter Wynnyczuk.