HVRA has completed its spectacular inventory of neighbourhood trees, and is now applying the results to two aims: canopy care, to protect and increase the number of trees in Harbord Village, and roots of local history, to research and celebrate trees of the past and present urban forest. Consider getting involved! | Harbord Village and LEAF Tree TourHarbord Village Tree Walk,
13 June 2010About 25 residents and visitors gathered on a cloudy late-spring day to walk through a few blocks of Harbord Village and admire local trees. Guided by Professor Andy Kenney of U of T and Lauren Brown of LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), the group meandered through laneways and along sidewalks, with frequent stops for commentary on old and interesting specimens. The bur oak behind 61 Brunswick was of particular interest, and we also examined a Kentucky coffee tree, many silver maples and horsechestnuts, and the row of magnificent plane trees along Willcocks. Back yards revealed ancient fruit trees and thriving Manitoba maples. Problem spots were also noted, including the struggling street trees along College. The group ended at Kensington Gardens for refreshments and further discussion of ways the Neighbourwoods inventory has been applied to renew and care for our urban forest. |
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Greening the Borden Street Green P parking lot |  View our 2009 report here
Treeing Our Village
BACKYARD TREE PLANTING PROJECT
Report to Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, December 1, 2009
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Canopy careThe HVRA project for subsidized planting of backyard trees is now over. However, the organization LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) offers help, advice, and nursery stock if you want to plant a native shrub or tree. See its website for details. Our Urban Forestry Management Plan explains the need to continue caring for and replacing our older trees. Roots of local historyWe plan to set up a webpage showing photographs of past and present notable trees, starting with some found in the City of Toronto Archives. If you have old photos or memories of neighbourhood trees, please let us scan your pictures and listen to your stories. Contact Margaret Procter to start the process. We are also investigating the Trees Ontario program for designating Heritage Trees. Watch for more information and chances to celebrate notable HVRA trees.
We're in the news!Tree Huggers
by Susan Grimbly
ON nature Magazine, Spring, 2010  Better air quality. Pollution control. Habitat for wildlife. These are just some of the reasons why a band of dedicated volunteers is determined to save the urban forest. |
Excerpt:
The condition of the Manitoba maple was woeful. Covered in scars, it struggled up through the cement, slouching over the beer drinkers. Standing on either side of the fence surrounding the patio of a Toronto pub, my teammates and I were animatedly assessing the condition of the tree and trying to measure its height when one rough fellow shouted, “You’re not cutting down that tree, are you?” Patrons’ heads shot around as if, like a village mob, they would lynch anyone who tried. “No, no,” we said hurriedly, “we’re not from the city. We’re volunteers with the Harbord tree committee,” and we launched into our spiel about trees, urban health and NeighbourWoods. Read the entire article online here.
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