Kawartha Chapter Outreach Programs

By Eleanor Reed RPF, Kawartha Chapter

The OWA Kawartha Chapter is continuing several programs in 2021, that it has offered in the past to benefit members. This includes a Forest Primer Consultation Program, a Country Lane Maple Program, and a Butternut Tree Program. These initiatives are being undertaken in partnership with several individuals and organizations, and only Kawartha Chapter members are eligible to participate.

Forest Primer Consultation Program 2021

In partnership with local member consultants, the Chapter has arranged a special discounted consultation service. For the reasonable price of only $150+HST, the Chapter’s members can receive a half-day Forest Primer Consultation. During the consultation, a qualified professional will walk with the member in their woodlot and provide professional advice for its management and information about Forest Professional available programs and visiting a woodlot for services to help. consultation The consultant will answer questions about: • forest ecology, dynamics, and tree species • tree planting and harvesting • wood products and values • wildlife habitat features and consideration • threats such as insects and diseases • invasive species • best management practices and available resources

Country Lane Maple Program—2021

In 2021, the Kawartha Chapter will be enhancing its Country Lane Maple Program by partnering with Maple Leaves Forever. The Chapter will offer an additional grant of up to $250 on top of Maple Leaves Forever’s 25% rebate for approved trees. Kawartha Chapter members will be provided with a simple step by step process to participate in this worthwhile initiative.

2021 - Butternut Tree Program (Butternut Buds)

Butternut trees across North America are being infected by a fungus known as Butternut Canker. Butternut Canker is a fungal disease that spreads quickly and can kill a tree within a few years. Butternuts are designated as endangered and protected under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The Kawartha Chapter is partnering with the Forest Gene Conservation Association to provide potentially disease resistant Butternut seedlings to Chapter members. Kawartha Chapter members who enroll in the program will receive instructions in April regarding seedling pick up. Trees must be planted on the member’s private property. Each tree is valued at $30, but Kawartha Chapter members will pay $15 (upon pick-up) and may purchase a maximum of five trees. Note the mother tree has been DNA tested.

If any other Chapters are feeling inspired to develop and offer similar specialized programs to engage their members, please feel free to contact the Kawartha Chapter and we will be happy to share our experience in getting things up and running and making them work!

You can email Kawartha Chapter at: eleanorreed@xplornet.com ❧

Maples along a bucolic lane in the fall

Butternut twig and bud