Submitted by Peninsula Bruce Trail Club
On September 27th and October 3rd, about 30 volunteers enthusiastically dug their shovels in the ground to plant endangered American Chestnut trees. 240 American Chestnut saplings were generously donated to the Bruce Trail Conservancy by the Canadian Chestnut Council to help bring this endangered tree back to sustainable levels.
The American Chestnut used to be known as the “granddaddy of the forest” with trunks reaching six feet across. Sadly a blight was introduced from overseas early in the 1900s and most trees died after 20-30 years. It is hoped that many of the American Chestnuts planted on the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Cape Chin property (MapleCross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin) and at Tagwerk Farm will survive and be a foundation for restoration of the woodlands that used to flourish there.
Over the years, these baby trees, and others planted by the Bruce Trail Conservancy will be monitored by volunteer “tree monitors”. The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club will also have some fun springtime tree and “berries for the birds” shrub plantings.
Volunteers, including families, will be needed. If you are interested in helping to “rewild” our Peninsula or monitor baby trees, please contact Laura Pisko, Director, Conservation & Land Stewardship at pbtc.dir.conservation@gmail.com
