They have stood the test of time, endured historical storms and hidden from loggers for centuries.
by Roger Klein
They are the trees that shade our streets and parks. They also hold the genetic code for forests of the future while storing and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
“Trees are symbolic and understood as an anchor for natural systems and natural spaces,” says Betty Muise, Tree Trust coordinator in the Blue Mountains.
Tree Trust chapters in Meaford and the Blue Mountains are leading a growing movement to preserve important “legacy trees” in the region.
Through donations and fundraising efforts, Tree Trust hires certified arborists to help extend the life of legacy trees scattered through the urban landscape, some of which predate modern settlement.
“We stop them from breaking apart,” explains arborist Tobias Effinger. “We make sure that a tree is vigorous enough to make it through another 50, 60 or even 100 years; then we approach it with what is required and implement that on a multi-year, phased-in approach.”
Effinger says the legacy trees can be an important seed source because they’re well-adapted to local climate and soil conditions. Some legacy tree seeds have already been planted in a small plot at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex in Thornbury.
Local Tree Trusts have invested in a 200-year-old sugar maple along the Georgian Trail near Thornbury, as well as a number of trees at the Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery and the Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford.
This spring, a community care day is planned for May 13.
Volunteers are needed to help mulch and water hundreds of seedlings planted last year along the Georgian Trail in the Blue Mountains. Another planting of larger trees is being planned after a donation by the Georgian Cycle and Ski Trail Association.
In Meaford, more than a dozen local artists will be supporting Tree Trust by sharing proceeds from the sale of works inspired by a large English oak tree growing next to Tom Thomson’s grave in Leith. The art sale will take place at the Meaford Hall in midsummer.
Local Tree Trusts are inviting residents to nominate a tree of the year in their communities. Volunteers with a passion for saving big old trees are also needed to help establish Tree trust chapters in Owen Sound and Wasaga Beach.
