Tree Walk at Terra Nova Part 2

Chickadees looking for a handout followed us as we passed by more beech trees, sadly scarred by graffiti, a horse chestnut and this Tulip tree (Liriodendron). Michael explains that most of the trees here, planted by farmers aren't actually native or suited to these damp soil. There are three key species of native trees that thrive here: birch, alder, and cottonwood. In spite of the unsuitability of the climate for some of the species planted her, some have thrived in spite of this disadvantage. Michael needs to do a health check on the trees about once a month to make sure that none of them pose a safety hazard to the people who access the site.

Willows (Salix) do tend to thrive in these conditions, so there are a few of them around here, including some that the beaver have felled with bright yellow branches.

On the top of one of the hills in the playground I am surprised and delighted to find they have planted a Garry Oak (Quercus garryana). It would be lovely to naturalize some Garry Oak meadow forbs on the dry, well-drained soil on the hill, but there is a lot of foot traffic here, which would make that a challenge. There are also crab apples (Malus fusca) and Gravenstein apples planted here around the playground. In the photo below you can see one of the site's gnarly old apples trees.

 

 

Michael gives me a short lesson on soil compaction as we gaze out over the playground. There are two large horse chestnuts. One has been fenced off to protect it from foot traffic to give it a fighting chance at a longer life. This yellow cedar is beginning to suffer from the weight of human activity, which is very stressful for trees under the drip line.

I was also delighted to see a group of healthy hazelnut trees here, and it's so lovely to see them in bloom. There are more hazelnut shrubs (Corylus) in the honeybee yard at the Sharing Farm. These haven't been affected by the bacterial blight that has beleaguered so many of our local trees. Fingers crossed.

A seagull is worrying a bald eagle perched in the top of a tall evergreen as we walk towards this big old ash tree. It is dying, but it has such a beautiful sculptural quality, that Michael feels it has been worth saving. Just look at that lovely large cavity, perfect for a little squirrel family!