Mother Nature Grows 100-Year-Old Seeds
Newsletter, TREES Mike Hurley Newsletter, TREES Mike Hurley

Mother Nature Grows 100-Year-Old Seeds

There is a massive river enhancement project underway in the City of Toronto that has revealed new plants – what appear to be long lost wetland plants growing spontaneously from 100-year-old seeds. Crews noticed them because they are unlike anything else growing in the area.

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Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

The Balsam Fir is a large tall narrow conifer, growing up to 30 meters in height. It is one of the more recognizable trees in Ontario. It is the only native fir to Eastern Canada and has flat, blunt needles differentiating it from Spruce.

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Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii)

The Arbutus has a seasonal deciduous period form July-August, when all of the leaves from the previous year fall. The current years leaves remain on the tree during this time, making it both an evergreen and deciduous tree.

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American Plum (Prunus Americana)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

American Plum (Prunus Americana)

The American Plum is a small tree/large shrub that typically grows up to 5 meters tall. It is native to North America and is widespread throughout Canada. The American Plum is a fast-growing tree but is short lived.

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What Technology Could Reduce Heat Deaths? Trees.
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

What Technology Could Reduce Heat Deaths? Trees.

Trees can lower air temperature in city neighborhoods 10 lifesaving degrees, scientists have found. They also reduce electricity demand for air conditioning, not only sparing money and emissions, but helping avoid potentially catastrophic power failures during heat waves.

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American Mountain-Ash (Sorbus Americana)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

American Mountain-Ash (Sorbus Americana)

The American Mountain-Ash is a slow-growing, short-lived tree that can be found across Ontario, South of Hudson Bay. It grows to 10 meters tall and prefers moist ground; however, it can also grow in rocky, dry soil.

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American Hazel (Corylus Americana)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

American Hazel (Corylus Americana)

The American Hazel (or Hazelnut) is a multi-stemmed shrub with a round top and wide-spread bottom. It is a larger tree so can adapt well to non-formal areas.

It will bear 2-3 years after planting, but once it starts, will be an annual, abundant crop of small, sweet tasting nuts.

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Ontario Regiment Museum Arboretum
Plantings, Partners Rebecca Harrison Plantings, Partners Rebecca Harrison

Ontario Regiment Museum Arboretum

In support of our sister organization, the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, 700 trees will be planted at the Ontario Regiment Museum in Oshawa. These 700 trees will be included in the 2 million trees being planted to honour our Canadian Armed Forces members through this campaign.

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American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata)
TREES Rebecca Harrison TREES Rebecca Harrison

American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata)

The American Chestnut was a very popular tree in Southern Ontario until the blight disease. It is now considered to be a very rare tree. Prior to the disease, the tree grew up to 35 meters tall; however, most trees since have only grown to about 10 meters tall.

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Improve employee attitudes and well-being with exposure to trees and nature
TREES, Gov-Delivery Rebecca Harrison TREES, Gov-Delivery Rebecca Harrison

Improve employee attitudes and well-being with exposure to trees and nature

Employees who have a view of nature from their desk experience a myriad of benefits. They 1) find their job more challenging, 2) are less frustrated about tasks, 3) feel greater enthusiasm for the job, 4) report feelings of higher life satisfaction and 5) report better overall health than their coworkers without a view. Additionally, desk workers without a view of nature claim 23% more incidences of illness over a six-month period.

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