More People are Planting Trees in Ausable Bayfield Watershed

by Bob Montgomery

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is now accepting orders for trees for planting this spring.

ABCA Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist Ian Jean says by working with local landowners and other project partners they've planted more than one million trees since 2006. Jean says the significant part of that is the number of people that are planting trees. Over 200 people a year use their program and plant trees, and about 90 percent of those trees are planted on private property by people who are interested in improving the watershed and the environment.

Jean says there's no question more and more people are recognizing some of the problems and looking for ways to address the issues like planting trees, protecting wetlands and incorporating cover crops in their farm rotations to improve the watershed as well as the productivity of the land. He says there are a lot of good things going on and it's important to recognize that.

Jean added, more and more people are becoming aware of the challenges and want to be part of the solution. There is funding available for a range of projects through the Huron Clean Water Project and he urges anyone who has some questions or needs some help to call them at the Conservation office at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.

More information as well as order forms can be found on the ABCA website.

photo courtesy of ABCA