More than 40 landowners attended the first in a series of three free Twilight Tours to learn about windbreak thinning and maintenance.
The initial event was held on July 30 at Samis Farms on RR2, Alma. Two more events are planned in this series:
– Aug. 21 – Tree care and pruning, 7 to 9pm at Floraview Farms, 1610 Floradale Rd., RR1 Elmira; and
– Sept. 25 – Planning for trees on the farm, 7 to 9pm at R&R Poultry, 7649 Sideroad 6 East, Kenilworth.
This spring GRCA staff helped landowners plant 73 windbreaks totalling 25.5 kilometres in length.
Many of the new trees stood out in the field after the spring planting. A black or white plastic “mulch” is laid on top of the soil to hold moisture around the tree roots and to stop weeds from growing. But by July, these new trees have nearly disappeared among crops such as beans, corn, hay and wheat. The trees are planted in rows that farmers can easily move agricultural equipment around.
In a few years, however, the trees will stand tall in the field, helping to stop soil erosion and increase the productivity of the land upon which they grow.
These rows of trees among crops are visible to anyone driving through the countryside.
Three GRCA forestry specialists work closely with landowners on projects such as this, and they find there is a lot of interest among landowners. They always encourage people to contact them about planting projects including wind breaks.
Mark Funk, one of the forestry specialists, says he was pleased to see such a great turnout for the event.
“It is great to see so many people who are interested in tree planting on their properties. They’re improving their own land and the local landscape, and we’re hoping to provide them with the assistance they need to do this,” he says.
GRCA staff conduct site visits and help determine the best species and location for planting. They also know about funding programs to cut the cost of these projects, like the Rural Water Quality Program.
For more information landowners can check www.grandriver.ca/treesales for information about the tree planting programs, or call 519-621-2761 to talk to a forestry specialist. Anyone interested may also email trees@grandriver.ca for more information and email mfunk@grandriver.ca to register for these sessions.
