ERIN – The Erin Tree Trust branch is set to host their chapter launch event focusing on preserving elder trees.
The event will take place on May 24 from 9:30am to 1pm at 83 Main St. between the post office and the all saint Anglican church – at the base of the old sugar maple tree.
“In the past few years there’s been a big focus on tree planting,” said Erin chapter lead Nicola Gailits.
“That’s really important … we need a lot of tree planting and its easy to see the benefits of that but there’s not enough focus on the trees that are here, that are mature, that are even elder.”
Mature trees play a huge role in the natural ecosystem. The roots of a mature tree are responsible for sharing nutrients with other trees, stabilizing soil, minimizing flooding and improving air quality.
A mature tree filters as much carbon as 300 juvenile trees.
The weekend event will begin with a live demonstration from arborist Phil Guenter, showcasing conservation pruning on the old sugar maple tree.
“We really wanted to highlight a native elder tree and this sugar maple … it’s at least 80 years old,” said Gailits.
“It might be 100 and also right downtown in the heart of Erin.”
After the pruning demonstration, there will be a 30 minute tree planting demonstration by forester Bob Baker.
He will demonstrate how to properly plant a sapling and discuss the importance of native trees.
Following the tree planting demonstration guests are invited to participate in one of two workshops; The tree inventory workshop or the woodlot walkthrough workshop.
The tree inventory workshop will teach guests how to identify, measure and asses a trees health.
The woodlot walkthrough workshop will see forester Pam Jackson showing guests the difference between a managed and unmanaged forest and the importance of woodlot management and climate change.
“Come with curiosity and leave with a sense of inspiration and hope,” said Gailits.
The event will also feature a special giveaway of 80 trees.
The trees are first come first serve and guest can choose from one of three native species – White spruce, norway spruce and black walnut.
The event is free to the public and registration is not required. Anyone with questions can contact erin@treetrust.ca for more information.
