Located at the headwaters of the East Humber River, Lake Wilcox is the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The lake supports diverse and sensitive biological communities while simultaneously providing opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, but also have a great responsibility to ensure their actions have a positive effect on this nearby resource.
Peter Wynnyczuk (former Urban Forestry Supervisor for the Town of Richmond Hill) gave participants the chance to learn about the tree species growing in their community and what they can do to protect and improve their own little piece of the urban forest. He also spoke about Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect pest that attacks and kills all ash trees, and let us know how this tiny bug will affect the Town’s canopy in coming years.
Gaspar Horvath (Project Manager for Toronto and Region Conservation’s Lake Wilcox SNAP Program) spoke about the Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan program (SNAP) that has been helping residents in the community to green their properties and beautify their homes while helping to improve the health of the lake.
We stopped at 95 Wheelwright Drive, one of two homes in the neighbourhood where SNAP carried out a front yard makeover to showcase how sustainable, environmentally friendly landscaping can also be beautiful, functional and even kid-friendly!
I spoke about the benefits of planting native species that will attract and support birds, butterflies and other wildlife in the area. LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program offers a convenient and affordable way to get native trees, shrubs and garden kits for your yard. We spotted this serviceberry on our tour, a hardy native shrub that will provide delicious fruit that both humans and birds can enjoy!
Special guest Kathleen Mulroy, Water Services Coordinator for the Town of Richmond Hill, spoke about the stormwater management pond that is found off the cul-de-sac at the west end of Barnwood Drive. Because of the wet weather, we really got to see the stormwater pond in action!
In spite of the rain, we all had a great time learning about the trees of the Lake Wilcox neighbourhood and finding out what we can do to protect and improve our urban forest. Will you join us at our next tree tour?
Our Tree Tours are supported by Ontario Power Generation's Biodiversity Program, York Region and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.