On Saturday, this tree I’ve admired for so long was granted with a Heritage Tree Designation and given the recognition it deserves. It was recognized by our friends at the Ontario Urban Forest Council (OUFC) and Trees Ontario. But how exactly did it get this designation? And is it possible for this honour to be bestowed upon other leafy giants? Well I thought you’d never ask!
This Acer saccharinum owes its Heritage status to active community member and tree lover, Karyn Koski. Wanting to show off this tree to the entire province, she put together a short video about the ol’ Roncesvalles Maple, and submitted it to the Heritage Tree Program. This application successfully brought attention to a remarkable tree that few people outside of the local community would have otherwise had the pleasure to meet.
http://youtu.be/0u1TPhEY-rw
Braving the rain were representatives of the local BIA, Roncesvalles Renewed, and GreenHere, Councillors Gord Perks and Sarah Doucette, and several curious community members. Like proud parents at a spelling bee we stood together around the century-old Roncesvalles Tree as it took the spotlight and the title. Photos were taken, words were shared and quietly in our end of the city, progress was made.
Do you have a tree that is Heritage worthy? Maybe it’s in a park, on a street, or in your very own backyard. Wherever it stands, I offer you the opportunity to learn how to nominate it on behalf of your own neighbourhood! The OUFC and Trees Ontario have been taking their mission to raise awareness – and protection – of heritage trees across Ontario. As the local partner for the Toronto session, we’re encouraging people from all corners of the urban forest to come out to this Heritage Tree Workshop on November 9. The room will be provided by U of T’s Faculty of Forestry.
Join us and you will learn how to undertake cultural research on trees, what legal and policy options are available for protecting heritage trees under municipal and provincial laws, proper heritage tree stewardship practices. And although this workshop does not provide any legal provisions for heritage trees, it will take you through the first steps in galvanizing support and advocating for tree protection at both the municipal and provincial level. Following the workshop, LEAF will work with trained Heritage Tree Evaluators to determine if the nominated trees meet the proper criteria.
It was said on Roncesvalles that these trees “have earned the right to live.” I couldn’t agree more. And I would add that history is alive; it can be found in these leafy green giants. So let’s work together to keep them around for future generations.