Tag: trees

There’s no such thing as “just a forest”

In today’s post, Park Naturalist Nicole Guthrie discusses what makes a forest a forest, and the unique features of Pinery Provincial Park.

This week marks National Forest Week in Canada, making it the perfect time to discuss the astounding diversity of species and ecosystems in forests because there’s no such thing as “just a forest.”

Each forest has a unique combination of soil types, microclimates, and pollution levels, which all dictate which species can take up residence there.

If you’ve ever been to Pinery, you’ve likely enjoyed their beautiful forest.

But did you know it isn’t actually all forest?

Continue reading There’s no such thing as “just a forest”

The amazing journey of Ontario’s provincial tree

What is it about White Pine? No other tree species in Ontario seems to inspire as much reverence and passion.

The history of White Pine is deeply intertwined with the history of people in Ontario. It has been an important species for Indigenous people for millennia, played a huge role in establishing Ontario’s cities, and has faced some tough challenges, including one that led to one of our province’s most amazing ecological restoration stories.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves — let’s start at the beginning!

Continue reading The amazing journey of Ontario’s provincial tree

Considerate Camper: keep our trees healthy

Welcome to our “Considerate Camper” series. These are posts with tips and reminders on how to keep our provincial parks clean and healthy. Already know how it’s done? Please share these posts along for less-experienced campers 🙂

We’re taking a leaf out of the Lorax’s book and speaking for the trees today!

When maintaining our campgrounds, we often notice marks in our trees. Many are from axes and nails, and plenty of trees have names, shapes and initials carved across their bark.

Did you know these holes and gouges risk the tree’s health and may result in its destruction?

Continue reading Considerate Camper: keep our trees healthy

My 50 trees challenge

Today’s post comes from Sheila Wiebe, a Marketing and Development Specialist at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

I recently celebrated the halfway point in my life. The milestone of 50 years on this Earth, half a century.

As I usually do around my birthday I reflected on the past year: the accomplishments, the challenges, and everything in between.

I felt like I needed to do something to commemorate the occasion. Continue reading My 50 trees challenge

Tree-mendous times at the Giant

This post comes to us from Lesley Ng, Natural Heritage Education Leader at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. 

Recently, park staff removed three outhouses from Marie Louise Lake Campground, leaving a blank footprint.

With funds available for Ontario Parks 125th anniversary stewardship initiatives, Sleeping Giant submitted a proposal to plant a few more trees this season.

Continue reading Tree-mendous times at the Giant

Trees for tomorrow at Sandbanks

Nothing says Canada like a maple leaf. That’s why Sandbanks Provincial Park planted 150 Sugar Maples this spring.

And those maples are part of a bigger plan. Over the past ten years, this Picton-area park has planted a whopping 100,000 trees! This year alone, Sandbanks “grew” by 36,000 trees.

Continue reading Trees for tomorrow at Sandbanks