Council bits: mini-forests, enviro awards

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Council received a request Monday to allow the Rotary Club of Uxbridge to install a third mini-forest in town.

In a deputation to council, Dr. Michael Banh noted the club established its first mini-forest at the Fields of Uxbridge (Phase1) last year with 600 mature trees and shrubs planted. The club will start on a second site close to the first this year, with the site being prepared in June and planting set for the fall.

The Rotary Club of Uxbridge’s first mini-forest project (Phase 1) at the Fields of Uxbridge. Photo from the council deputation

Now Rotary is proposing putting a third mini-forest in the small plot of land that is located between Toronto, Main and Dominion Streets, with at least 600 plants made up of 20 different species. Banh said the project would be funded by a $10,000 grant from Tree Canada and $5,000 from the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority. He said the site contains some Manitoba maples - an invasive species - and the club would like them removed.

Mini forests, also known as Tiny Forests or Miyawaki Forests, are small-scale, densely planted, native urban forests consisting of trees and shrubs. The method emphasizes the use of dense plantings, diverse locally-adapted climax forest species, soil preparation, and multilayered design to mimic the complexity of a native forest.

Also during Monday’s council meeting, three residents were recognized as environmental heroes.

Derek Connelly was honoured for his work with North Durham Nature. Dr. Michael Banh received his certificate for his work with Rotary on the mini-forest projects. Maureen O'Shea-Brown, a library assistant, was recognized in part for her work at the library, where she shared how to make at-home bird feeders to help keep local birds well-fed during the winter, when food is often scarce or difficult to find. She also ran a program for people to make eco-friendly wrapping for the holiday season.