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Toni Ellis

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Getting to the Root of it: Understanding the Critical Importance of Soil Health. – Wrapped up

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The talk introduced us to Experimental Acres, where farmers trial new techniques to improve soil health. One particularly interesting method discussed was the underwear test — burying a pair of 100% cotton underwear in the soil and checking on it later. The more it decomposes, the more biologically active and healthy the soil is. In short, more degradation means more soil life.


The speakers shared examples of underwear buried in different crop rotations, with varying levels of decomposition depending on how supportive each system was for microbial activity. It was fascinating to see how farming practices directly affect the soil beneath our feet.

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Getting to the Root of it: Understanding the Critical Importance of Soil Health- April 10th 7:30pm

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Good soil is the foundation for all plants and trees! Would you like to learn about the local initiatives for innovative soil health solutions? The environmental implications of synthetic vs organic fertilizers? The role of microorganisms in soil? How climate change affects soil health? Then this talk is for you!

Two speakers will be educating us on these topics

Heather White, a Knowledge and Mobilization and Communications Coordinator for Soils at Guelph.

Jordan Grigg, Agricultural Coordinator for the County of Wellington

Where: Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St Elora, ON N0B 1S0

Date: April 10th, 2025

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: Neighbourwoods members free, non-members $10 for more information please email Kate at WalksAndTalks@treetrust.ca

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Saving the World’s Forests: Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s Call to Action

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As wildfires rage across the globe – from charred forests in Jasper to flames consuming Greece’s pines and millions of acres of the Amazon – Irish botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger is determined to save our trees.

Based in Merrickville, Ontario, she’s a scientist, author, and advocate with a bold “bioplan” to combat the climate crisis:

  • Stop cutting ancient forests. These “mother trees” hold centuries of climate resilience and potential cures for humanity.
  • Plant the right trees in the right place. One native tree per person annually could reverse CO2 levels by 2030.

Beresford-Kroeger warns that replanting non-native trees worsens fire risks, yet she’s optimistic about solutions like carbon capture and sustainable practices. Her message is clear: saving forests isn’t just up to governments—it’s in our hands.

Information retrieved from Corporate Knights, by Adria Vasil

Read more here

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Tree Talk-January 23rd, 7:30pm

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Curious about Centre Wellington’s upcoming tree initiatives? Interested in learning about our local public forest policy or the public tree bylaw? Join us for an engaging evening of insights and answers with Centre Wellington’s Forestry Coordinator!

📍 Location: Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St, Elora
📅 Date & Time: January 23rd, 7:30–9:00 pm
💲 Cost: Free for Neighbourwoods members; $10 for non-members

Special Guest: Todd Fritzley, a certified arborist and tree risk assessor, brings his expertise to the discussion. With education from Fleming College and the University of Guelph, Todd has been serving as the Urban Forestry Coordinator for Centre Wellington since December 2023.

Whether you’re a long-time tree advocate or just starting to explore your interest in our local environment, everyone is welcome!

For more details, contact WalksandTalks@treetrust.ca.

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Winter Tree Talk-Nov 28th, 7:30pm

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Discover the extensive environmental risks posed by the construction of Highway 413 and learn what actions you can take to protect our green spaces and natural habitats.

Event Details:

  • Where: Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St, Elora
  • When: November 28, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
  • Cost: Free for Neighbourwoods members; $10 for non-members
  • Health Precaution: Masks encouraged
  • All are welcome!

We’re honored to host Mike Marcolongo, an experienced environmental advocate with over two decades of service in the Ontario Environment Network, Evergreen, and three Ministries within the Ontario Public Service. Mike now leads “Keep the Greenbelt Promise,” a grassroots campaign with the Guelph-based Water Waters.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take action for the environment!

Learning experience on Trestle Bridge Trail- Oct 19th

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Big thanks to Richard Smythe and Mike Cadman for an amazing walk on the Trestle Bridge Trail, sharing their expertise on the incredible biodiversity and bird species that call it home! 🌿🐦 A fantastic turnout and a great learning experience. Join us again this Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 AM for more trail rehabilitation—let’s keep this beautiful space thriving! 🌳 Meet at the St. Andrew St W parking lot. #TrestleBridgeTrail #Biodiversity #CommunityAction

Scientists Studying Earth’s Trees Issue a Bleak Warning to Humanity

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Trees are in more trouble than you think—endangered species teeter on the brink, threatening entire ecosystems. From majestic redwoods to rare palms, our planet’s forests are vanishing, with dire consequences for biodiversity, food, and climate stability. Learn how the loss of tree species could unravel life as we know it—and why we must act now

This article is by Tessa Koumoundouros found on Sciencealert
The research was published in Plants, People, Planet.

Call for Volunteers- Oct 26th Trestle Bridge Trail

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We’re calling for volunteers to help prepare the site and plant more native species! Join us on October 26th to contribute to our local ecosystem and make a positive impact in your community. Your efforts will help enhance biodiversity and create a thriving environment for native plants and wildlife.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a first-time volunteer, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we can make a difference! 

Date: October 26th

Time : 9 am meet up 

Location: Trestle Bridge Trail Head 
St Andrew West Plaza parking lot 739 St Andrew St W, Fergus   

Please sign up or reach out for more details. Thank you for your support!

To volunteer contact Richard Smythe to sign up.

 rsmythe17@gmail.com

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