GUELPH-ERAMOSA – Patrick Kelly, old growth forest project coordinator, led a Neighbourwoods Tree Walk at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre Old Growth Forest on Oct. 1.
About 25 Neighbourwoods members and guests joined the almost two-hour tour through some of the 90-plus acres that makes up this hidden gem, just north of Guelph.
Kelly explained how the property was originally an old growth forest before becoming farmland in the early 1800s, and is now protected and being restored back to its natural state of meadows, forests, and wetlands.
Kelly also explained Buckthorn removal techniques he is working on, showed the group the D-shaped exit holes made by the deadly emerald ash borer, and discussed a bit about the role of beaver dams.
He also offered an illustration of the inter-connectedness of life: drop some dye in the Speed River and it will wind up in the Atlantic.
To find out about Neighbourwoods events contact Carole Pines at carole.m.pines@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.
