Tour Helps Identify Species Hidden in Trinity Bellwoods
(March 1, 2014, Toronto, ON – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) Residents from across the GTA will join LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) and Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park for the Winter Tree Identification Tour this weekend. Understanding that it can be a challenge to tell many of the common urban tree species apart in the winter, the two groups are taking the guesswork out of tree ID. This tree tour will provide a special chance to learn about the architecture, twigs, bark and buds that are hidden throughout the rest of the year.
What: Winter Tree Identification Tour
When: Saturday, March 1, 2014, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park – meet inside Trinity Community Recreation Centre, 155 Crawford St
Who: Mark Sherman, ISA Certified Arborist, LEAF
A short lesson on tree identification basics inside the Recreation Centre will kick off the event, before the group heads outside for the walk. Mr. Sherman will explore the diversity of species in this popular downtown park as participants discover the hidden identities of its trees. Along the route, he will share a number of easy tricks that guests can use to identify the species in their own neighbourhoods following the tour.
“At first glance trees can look alike, but this tour is a great chance to learn how to tell them apart” said Mr. Sherman. “Winter offers a special opportunity to focus on some of the key features beneath the leaves and learn to identify trees in a new way.”
Volunteer-run Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park will share stories and information on their Adopt A Tree Program, which asks local residents to water and nurture young park trees.
“Even as a tree enthusiast, I sometimes get stuck without leaves to identify our trees in the park. But since Toronto’s trees are naked for at least a third of the year, a lesson in winter identification is an excellent idea,” said Michaelle McLean, Adopt A Tree Program Coordinator with Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park. “To know a tree by name is the first step towards recognizing what it needs and how we can help care for it – something we’ve learned first-hand in this park.”
For more information on LEAF or this event, visit www.yourleaf.org.
Photo opportunities and interviews available upon request.
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