The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) are hosting a free hike to learn how ash from woodstoves and fireplaces is helping to restore our forests.
The one-and-a-half-kilometre hike is being held on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. until noon at Camp Big Canoe in Bracebridge and will feature a discussion with Dr. Norman Yan and other experts.
Lenore Innis, chair of FOTMW, shares how many of the lakes and forests in Muskoka are calcium deficient because of the impact from decades of acid rain. However, wood ash is about 25 to 30 percent calcium and, if spread in forests, helps make trees healthier, more disease-resistant, able to capture more carbon, and lessen the impact of spring flooding.
FOTMW organizes the “ASHMuskoka” project, which sees volunteers collect ash that would otherwise be disposed of and use it to support forests and the ongoing research being done by Peterborough’s Trent University.
“Applied research of this type is extremely rewarding,” says Dr. Shawn Watmough, director of the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate programs at the university. “It connects the public to current environmental issues, shows that individuals can make a difference and allows students to feel that their work is valued by society.”
Shelby Conquer, a PhD student at Trent University, will also be on hand for the hike having spearheaded much of the past research done at Camp Big Canoe.
“Sugar maple trees are a culturally and economically significant species in Canda but are increasingly threatened by climate change,” she explains. “Thus, studying ways to ensure their future health and survivorship is essential. By involving passionate members of our community, we’ve not only been able to divert thousands of tons of wood ash from landfills, but we’ve been able to improve soil conditions to those that foster healthy sugar maple growths. “Hopefully this will allow us to use the tools we have to preserve this species in the future.”
Anyone who wants to attend the hike must register on FOTMW’s website.
