The Nature Conservancy of Canada would like to send a huge “thank you!” for helping us cut down invasive Scotch pine at the Riverbend property on October 27!
With your help our small but mighty group spent a mild fall day removing small and mid-sized Scotch pines from about 1.5 acres (0.6 ha) of forest and meadow. By removing these invasive trees we made space for native plants (like those scattered white pine!) to grow, and the brush piles we built will create new habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Thank you!
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Walking through the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)’s Riverbend property, visitors can see why the area is so special: a long stretch of high quality shoreline along the Maitland River; cliffs that host old, slow-growing cedars; deciduous forests containing southern species, such as common hackberry and northern spice-bush. Unfortunately, the property also hosts an unwelcome visitor: Scotch pine.
Scotch pine (or, if you prefer – Scots pine) was originally brought over from Europe to help stabilize soil and reduce erosion. Unfortunately, the species was a bit too hardy, and today Scotch pine is considered an invasive species throughout eastern North America. Regenerating Scotch pine fills in open areas and crowds out the native plants that should be growing there. On the Riverbend property, it has established along the trail sides and we need your help to get rid of it!
On Friday, October 27, we’re looking for volunteers to help us remove this invasive tree from the trailside. We’ll be cutting down small Scotch pine using hand saws and loppers. NCC will provide gloves and tools, but feel free to bring your own. To learn more or to sign up, please visit: https://events.natureconservancy.ca
