NATURE RESERVE: Big plans from Trees for Woolwich

some currently being worked on by

Trees for Woolwich and the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC), and some as-yet untouched areas.

For instance, an area of sycamore trees at the north end, near the township dog park, already contains some large, older trees, but the area could use more coverage, with new trees to be added, he explained.

Among the habitats envisioned are the likes of a ‘Carolinian Forest Walk,’ ‘Cedar Thicket,’ ‘Spring Flowering Trees’ and ‘Silver Maple Ash Swamp,’ an area already home to some large maples.

“It’s a really beautiful ecosystem that exists already, and we just have to do a little bit of elimination of invasive species that have crept in, but most of it is beautiful,” said Schwarz.

Likewise, an area designated ‘Pollinator Meadow’ is mostly just mown grass now.

The plan is to let the grass grow in, developing into a real ecosystem.

“It’ll be home to a lot more pollinators, birds, reptiles even – snakes and frogs

– so that’s better for the ecosystem, and it can also be a lot more aesthetically pleasing.”

The project is a long-term undertaking, with some results decades away, said Schwarz.

The area has seen some 2,000 trees planted by the volunteer groups since 2004, with Rinne estimating another 3,000 will have to be planted to develop the nature reserve.

Noting that Trees for Woolwich has received significant support from corporate and private donors, she said she’d come to council for an endorsement of the project, not for funding ... at least not yet.

“It’s amazing what you’ve put together there, and it’ll be even more amazing in 70 years,” said Coun. Patrick Merlihan.