SWWA Fall Tour 2022

On a cool Saturday morning in October, a group tour was conducted on Dave Ferguson’s property, which is a few miles north of Alvinston near Brown Creek.

Twenty people were in attendance, both members and non-members, and coffee was offered as guests arrived. The walk began from Dave's home down to an area of prairie grass and ponds which would be a great habitat for ducks.

This area has been restored through the assistance of Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS). ALUS helps farmers build nature based solutions on their land such as wetland restoration and enhancement, prairie grass restoration, along with other projects to contribute to a healthy environment.

Moving along into the wooded area, there is a large quantity of maturing walnut trees of value for lumber and the potential for veneer logs. Dave expressed his goal that this growth of walnut trees would be a valuable resource to maintain for future generations of his family.

In the mixed deciduous woodland, the Great Blue Heron have built their nests high aloft in the large beech trees.

Another unique feature on this tour was to view the many stands of Pawpaw that Dave has nurtured. The pawpaw trees were shaken to release the green pawpaws as seen in the photos. Donald Craig was in attendance on the tour and was able to provide his insight on growing pawpaw on his property.

Donald also provided commentary as always as we moved through the woodlands.

Dave Ferguson’s property has many diverse and unique features that contributed to an entertaining tour and an insight into the natural environmental work that can be accomplished when a property owner has a goal and plan for the future.

Written by Tom Park

Summary of our Tree Growers Information Day and Bus Tour, 2022

On Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, the South West Woodlot Association hosted the Annual Information Day and Bus Tour. We had a full bus, and perfect weather for our day out and about in Chatham-Kent, Elgin, and Middlesex County.

Gathering at the Bothwell arena, we shared coffee and cookies, then set off at 9:00 sharp.

Donald Craig commentated as the bus rolled along, assisted by Rick Wilkins.

First stop was Heavenly Earth Nursery, owned by Elizabeth Marshall and Dale Sayer. Elizabeth led us on a tour of her grounds, with many native species on display, some potted ready for sale to the public. Of particular interest were the caterpillars, larvae of the Giant Swallowtail, spotted munching on the leaves of a Hop Tree (one of only two species of plant the Giant Swallowtail can live on). Elizabeth's enthusiasm for growing native species is infectious!

Second stop was at the home and workshop of Al Gosnell, Bowyer. He led us into his grove of Osage Orange trees, planted specifically for their use in making bows, and we learned that the oil in this species is what makes it perfect for Al's craft. He showed us the starting block, cut from a limb from his trees, a rough cut bow, and the process for turning it into a beautiful instrument. Examples of his work included bows decorated with sinew and snake skin. He also makes arrows using Ash wood, and turkey feathers for the flights. As we departed, he demonstrated, with impressive accuracy, his bows and arrows in action.

Clear Creek Forest was next on the tour, and we picked up two commentators, Jill Crosthwaite, of the Nature Conservancy of Canada , and Greg Van Every of the Lower Thames Conservation Authority (LTVCA). The 4402 ha Clear Creek Forest is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and managed by Ontario Parks. It is located in Chatham-Kent, near Clearville. The Property was assembled from several previous owners who used their properties for agricultural purposes. Although some of it was covered in mature deciduous forest and hawthorn forest, over 100 ha has been planted to trees and shrubs, much of it by the LTCVA. Several wetlands and sections of native tall grass prairie have also been established. After viewing the reforested plots from the bus, we walked the trail through the old growth. This closed canopy deciduous forest contains species such as Red Oak, Sugar Maple, American Beech, and Shumard Oak, to name only a few; twenty-four rare vascular plants have been recorded here.

Camp Cataraqui, surrounded by the Clear Creek Provincial Nature Reserve, was first used by Boy Scouts in 1930. Mike Doddman, of Scouts Canada, met us within the Camp grounds and spoke about the history of the camp, and the challenges facing it today. This is a wonderful place for instilling the love of trees and nature in children and teenagers.