Neighbourwoods spring Tree Walk will visit Elora Gorge

ELORA – Neighbourwoods has arranged its spring Tree Walk for June 10 and this time they will explore the Elora Gorge.

“Explore with us the pathways of the Elora Gorge, and hear stories of trees and people along the waters of the Grand and Irvine Rivers,” organizers say in a press release. 

“A beautiful clearing in the area, now named Victoria Park, is surrounded by a remarkable number of large mature trees as well as a great variety of smaller species. 

“Hear stories of Elora’s early European settlers initially abusing the area and eventually learning to treasure and protect its beauty.”

The walk gets underway at 10am and finishes at 11:30am. Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot of the Elora Community Centre. Admission is free to members; $10 for non members.

Rob Guthrie and Al Koop are the guides. Koop is a longtime member of the Wellington County Historical Society and Neighbourwoods.  He leads historical walks and presentations across Centre Wellington. 

The Elora Centre for the Arts and Bissell Park are two of his favourite hangouts and it is not unusual to see him accompanied by a banjo.

Guthrie began developing his deep appreciation for trees while working at The Arboretum at the University of Guelph, and has been involved with Neighbourwoods for decades. 

He lives in Fergus with a small backyard full of trees, and can’t wait to share some stories with fellow tree-lovers.

Organizers thank their sponsors –  the Elora and Salem Horticultural Society, and the Centre Wellington Community Foundation – for their support for Tree Walks and Tree Talks.

More info:  eloraenvironmentcentre.ca/tree-talks-walks or email Carole Pines at carole.m.pines@gmail.com.