GUELPH – This year’s Henry Kock Award goes to Jay Cranstone, a natural areas stewardship technician at the City of Guelph.
The award, unique to Guelph, honours a citizen who exemplifies the characteristics of the late Guelph Interpretive Horticulturalist Henry Kock, a key builder of the University of Guelph (U of G) Arboretum.
Officials say Kock was dedicated to the “growing, protecting and advocating for trees in their natural environment. He was cherished for his wisdom, integrity and mentorship in his stewardship of trees.”
Guelph Urban Forest Friends sponsors this award.
Officials say Cranstone embodies many of Kock’s characteristics and has been in his role at the city for the last five years.
“Over this time (he) has been a key figure in tree planting in Guelph along side many volunteer organizations,” the release states.
“He has been instrumental in selecting the appropriate sites, assuring that the trees are planted surrounded by native plants and shrubs, and ensuring the volunteers plant properly,” it continues.
Many of those surrounding plants are grown from local seeds Cranstone collected and nurtured in the city greenhouses.
“His quiet humble style in the natural areas stewardship team has facilitated the team in the accomplishment of many projects that have benefitted the citizens and creatures that live in Guelph,” the release states.
Trees for Guelph board president Lisa MacTaggart said, “Cranstone’s quiet dedication to urban forests and native plants through his professional activities and his personal interest has enriched our community. Everyone at Trees for Guelph enjoys collaborating with Jay.
“His training as a landscape architect to think long term and big picture has led to a methodical approach to selecting sites for planting events by community groups. His organizational skills ensure the trees planted by volunteers have the best chance of survival.”
Cranstone led the mini-forest project along the trail bordering the Eramosa River east of the covered bridge in York Road Park, including 1,300 species in a small footprint.
Cranstone has also worked on ecological restoration projects that complement the trees in the city such as bird friendly gardens and turtle substrates for nesting.
“An avid hiker and cyclist, he brings that perspective to ensuring Guelph’s trails are surrounded by the trees that bring all their benefits to the users,” the release states.
Like Kock, Cranstone is a U of G graduate. He completed the landscape architecture program in 1990 and has used these skills in private practice in over 50 community and regional master plans across Eastern Canada before bringing them to Guelph.
Officials say his hands on, humble approach has endeared him to all who work with him.
A nomination form praised his efforts: “Jay’s work helps to add thousands of native plants to parks and natural areas and protection of Guelph’s ecosystem while connecting people to nature in their neighbourhoods, inspiring others to act.”
The award is set to be presented at Arb Expo on Sept. 6 at 1pm at the arboretum.
