July 2020

Since 2009, Neighbourwoods, in
partnership with Centre Wellington Parks and Recreation Department has been
planting Celebration Trees in community parks.  What started as a germ
of an idea by Donna Ross and Peter Szmidt has blossomed over the years, and
now there are 134 trees planted and plaqued in more than 10 parks recognizing
birthdays, anniversaries, love, lives lived, and
milestones.

After Donna and Peter moved to Merrickville,
the Program’s future was in jeopardy.  Thankfully, Paul Mitchell
stepped in to take over with volunteers Susan Brown, Anne Hobbs, Judi Feldman
with support from Neighbourwoods coordinator Toni
Ellis.

With so many Celebration Trees, it has become clear
that there are too many for Parks staff to weed thoroughly.  
Donors are now being notified to ask them to take over the annual weeding
task of their tree, then Township staff will mulch each tree, this year after
August 5.

The other news is that this fall the Celebration
Trees Program is winding up after 12 rewarding years.  However, the
Township has its own planting program so dedicated tree planting will
continue, although no doubt with a little different flavour.  “When I
spend time in our parks and admire all our new trees, I am reminded how much
we appreciate the volunteers and donors who have made this program such a
success,” reflects Matt Tucker, Manager of Parks and Recreation.  

For
more information about the Township’s program please contact Marissa McKay
at MMacKay@centrewellington.ca. If you want to
order a final Celebration Tree, there is room for a couple more.  If
you are interested, contact Paul Mitchell at prmitch@cogeco.ca before the cut-off
date of August 1.

Once again this summer,
Neighbourwoods volunteers and summer staff will be working in the field
inspecting trees for Centre Wellington’s annual tree
inventory!

This year, which marks the
12^th year of the program, a few changes are being
adopted. First, the data collection process is being
streamlined.  Crews are recording each tree’s species, location,
height, crown width , diameter and documenting just three indicators of
health. This new system means that Neighbourwood’s records can be
added into the Township’s growing database which will help the management
of our urban forest.  Teams will only be inventorying trees on public land
– parks, boulevards and front lawns up to the property line. And, of course
COVID protocol will be strictly followed.

This program is
madepossible thanks to funding from the Canada Summer Jobs Program.