CENTRE WELLINGTON – At 150 years old, a black walnut tree reaching 21 metres high and 30 metres across has been named Centre Wellington’s Tree of the Year.
The tree towers over the front yard of Heather-Jane and Mike Maurice’s Garafraxa Street residence.
“The tree is like a member of our family,” Heather-Jane said in a statement.
On Oct. 1, Tree Trust held a ceremony at the property to mark both the occasion and the tree.
Tree Trust director Toni Ellis opened the ceremony, and to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, the Honourable Senator Rob Black (great, great nephew of the home’s builder James Black) and Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters draped the tree with a colourful sash made by local artist and tree lover Randi Vann.
Local historian Al Koop gave some background on the tree, and arborist Phil Guenter outlined fascinating facts about the remarkable black walnut.
Attendees enjoyed apple cider and maple cookies, while listening to Fergus musician Ben Wright of The Barrel Boys, who entertained with original tree-themed songs.
Some 40 nominations were received this year.
The Tree of the Year pageant was sponsored by the Echo Foundation in Centre Wellington as well as five other Tree Trust Chapters.
Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters, left, and Senator Rob Black wrapped the tree with a colourful sash made by a local artisan.
