Tree planting

Restoring Black River’s natural heritage

For Black River residents Conrad Biernacki and Brian Musselwhite, trees are important elements in nature, and especially to their property and local environment in the eastern part of Prince Edward County. “Trees do not last forever,” notes Biernacki. He resides along Morrison Point Road, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque roads in the County. The majestic tree canopy ensures the narrow road radiates with beauty come autumn, but its attractiveness year-round, accompanied by its old dry stone walls and historic homes, is a big draw and a favourite drive for locals and visitors alike.

Many of the trees that grace Morrison Point Road and the Black River area were planted in the 1870s. “Some of these trees are still with us today,” he says. At the time, the planting came as a provincial government initiative to help curb an environmental disaster in the 19th-century that saw land within areas of Ontario, including Prince Edward County, rapidly cleared for farming, urban expansion and lumbering, explains Biernacki. The result of the massive land clearing led to severe soil erosion. “So enormous was the environmental disaster, the provincial government had to step in, creating legislation to entice farmers and other landowners to plant trees along their roadways. The goal was to reduce the effects of erosion, as well as to act as snow fences during winter storms.”

The fall foliage along Morrison Point Road highlights the impressive mature tree canopy. Photo: Black River Bed and Breakfast

According to Biernacki, in 1871, the province offloaded the cost of the program to the municipalities. “They had to pay farmers and landowners 25 cents for each tree planted, where the trees came from the farmers’ or neighbours’ woodlots.” Many of the trees planted in 1871—maple, black cherry and ash among them—have reached the end of their lives and have either been cut down or have fallen down. “Many others are approaching that stage very soon,” he notes. Biernacki explains how the only original roadside tree on his property, a 150- year-old black cherry, towering 130-feet, was lost last year due to rot. “It lives on, not only in our memory, but in its useable wood that was made into counters that are now on each side of our outdoor oven, as well as two indoor tables,” he notes.

At the Committee of the Whole council meeting earlier this month, a report by the Community Development Department dated January 9, 2020 regarding the Adopt-a-Tree Program was presented.

The Adopt-a-Tree Program will allow residents, with the guidance and supervision of County staff, to plant trees on municipal land. “By creating a simple policy which allows private citizens to plant trees on public properties and rights of way, the County can continue to grow its tree canopy,” the report stated. The policy would allow the municipality to enter into an agreement with a private citizen or agency to plant one or more trees on public lands, road allowances or rights of way.

“The agreement would include mutual approval of the site and tree species, indemnify the County from liability during planting and maintenance, allow memorial plaques and ensure the tree is cared for by the resident or agency for the first two years.” The Program stems from a deputation made last fall by Lise Bois, where she encouraged council to create a committee that would work to increase and manage the tree canopy in Prince Edward County. Bois is a member of the PEC Horticultural Society, Tree the County and PEC Field Naturalists, as well as the Ad Hoc Tree Policy Advisory Committee. In her deputation, she discussed the desire for community members to help mitigate climate change by increasing and managing the tree canopy in Prince Edward County, noting the many Adopt-A-Tree-style programs in existence across Ontario and Canada.

When Black River residents were polled and the idea of tree planting was suggested, it carried the vote notes Biernacki. “The decision of the majority of Black River residents to spend our $800 neighbourhood improvement grant on tree planting makes us the first community to make use of this new policy,” he explained. “Just begin to think what the results will be when even more of our dry stone walls are repaired or rebuilt, and when these trees begin to show themselves,” he said addressing the South Marysburgh Recreation Board Thursday evening. “Morrison Point Road is already known as the prettiest road in the County, so imagine how it will be described in the future by both our residents and our summer visitors.”

Biernacki is looking for volunteers to follow through with the project, but believes since so many Black River residents supported the tree planting initiative, it should be easily achievable. “Although actual tree planting cannot take place until the spring, an invoice from Lockyer’s must be sent to the municipality by March 1,” he says. Volunteers will need to determine the tree planting locations, the species of trees and their numbers during the next few weeks, so the invoice can be submitted on time. “County staff will be available to offer guidance, suggestions and tree location approval.” For anyone interesting in volunteering with the Black River tree planting initiative, please contact Conrad Biernacki at BlackRiverBB@gmail.com or call 613.476.7346.