I remember the first time I hiked the Seaton Trail in Pickering – I was amazed that such a beautiful trail exists so close to the city, and really isn’t that well known. It can be hiked in a day, but the Seaton Trail has a larger-than-life feel, and is only a short drive, or public transit ride, from millions of people. This trail is included in my book Old-Growth Forest Walks: 26 hikes in Ontario’s Greenbelt. The trail follows West Duffins Creek, … Read more
Canada must stop importing forest pests that kill our trees One of the most severe and urgent threats to Canadian trees is the accidental importation of insects and tree diseases through international trade. Pests like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle kill trees in our forests, parks, and neighborhoods. When we lose trees, we lose the many benefits they provide, such as filtering air pollution, reducing flooding, cooling neighborhoods, providing wildlife habitat, and storing carbon that otherwise contributes … Read more
Each year on February 15, Canada celebrates the inauguration of its national flag, which has featured the iconic maple leaf since 1965. But while we honour maple trees as symbols of Canada, we put them at unnecessary risk. Imagine the day that North America’s maple trees start dying like ash trees, that are already being killed by the invasive emerald ash borer (it kills over 99% of ash trees). It would mark the end of fall colours, maple syrup, many … Read more