GUELPH, Ontario — With precautionary protocols in place, tree-planting efforts have returned throughout the area courtesy of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), which is helping landowners spruce up their properties … with a variety of species. “GRCA is really excited about getting trees in the ground this spring,” said Meghan Clay, GRCA forestry specialist, in a news release. “Landowners are keen to get their trees; they want to see trees in the ground.” After being put on pause for a year, plantings are actively taking place throughout the watershed, including in Guelph and Wellington County. They began April 9 and are expected to continue through the Victoria Day long weekend. …The GRCA recently partnered with Forests Ontario and is helping that organization reach its goal of planting 50 million trees throughout the province. For its part, the GRCA plans to contribute 20,000 to the total.

YARMOUTH, NS – Canada’s forest sector is a vital source of revenue and employment across the country for Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is investing in projects to equip them with the tools needed to promote further economic opportunity in the forest sector and within their communities. Natural Resources Canada announced $48,000 in funding for Acadia First Nation to: Create a standing timber inventory to track present and future sales of hardwoods, softwoods and value-added products, including silviculture recommendations; Purchase a firewood processor to increase the safety and efficiency of the community’s production of firewood. This project will help the Acadia First Nation build capacity and support the transfer of knowledge through their forest management plan and understanding of potential sales of timber in their woodlot.

John Pineau

This pandemic has changed the way we all do business, and the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) is no exception to this. The OWA held its AGM and Conference virtually this past week and featured a variety of presentations by woodlands experts. There were 380 people who attended the conference which John Pineau, Executive Director, said received rave reviews. …The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, John Yakabuski, offered congratulations to OWA on their conference and the 100th issue of the OWA publication, the Woodlander. OWA President, Paul Robertson, said he was impressed and proud of the range and depth on issues that were offered in this year’s conference. …“Our Association has remained steady and strong during the pandemic, and we have in fact grown and strengthened in some respects, despite so many challenges,” said Paul Robertson.

During this year’s Ontario Woodlands Appreciation Week (OWAW), from May 8th – 15th 2021, we are encouraging all Ontarians to get out in the woods and experience them using their five senses. We have put together three fun activities each day, for five days, to help you delve into a “sense of the day.”  We encourage you to share your gratitude for your Woodlands with the wider Ontario Community. On social media you can use the #OWAW and #Woodlanders hashtags to inspire others to join you. A full list of activities and informational links will be emailed to you this weekend, as well as posted to our website event page and in social media. As you partake this week, please document any bird sightings. Birds Canada has set up a portal on their website where OWA members can register and report findings of stick and cavity nests. This important citizen science data will help Birds Canada compile comprehensive information on different species that inhabit the interior of our forests.

What does the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) stand for? Healthy, productive woodlots, sustainable management of Ontario’s forests, and a united provincial voice for woodland owners. This grassroots organization brings together people who appreciate the value of our forests and the opportunity to learn and share ideas about good forestry. May 8 to 15 is Woodlands Appreciation Week; an excellent opportunity to get out and explore our woodlands, while keeping current covid safety regulations in mind. The OWA encourages families to savour the experience of the forest and to celebrate good stewardship of this essential natural resource. The OWA has an active network of 20 regional chapters spanning rural and urban communities. Members have access to expertise, research on forest health, and best management practices. Chapter events can include sustainable forestry, wildlife habitat, conservation, foraging, recreation, forest product industry, environmental stewardship, and woodlot activities for kids.