Clean Air Machine
Newsletter Mike Hurley Newsletter Mike Hurley

Clean Air Machine

Why is it that during the month of June we feel so alive? 

I have just walked through my garden, a break from computer work, and measured almost a foot (20 cm.) of new growth on the sugar maples that I planted 18 months ago.  

I estimate that they will produce almost a metre of growth this year.  These are clearly happy “Sugars”.  This makes me happy.

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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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