The BEA has partnered with Brampton Forestry and the Association of Canadian Educational Resources, (ACER) to provide tree monitoring services to sites at Batsman and Gore Meadows Parks. Students from Louise Arbour and Fletcher’s Meadows Secondary Schools participated in the 2-day event, Batsman Park on May 02nd and Gore Meadows Park on May 16th.
After introductions I started each session by explaining the ecosystem services that trees provide. Trees help to keep our cities cool during increasingly hot summer months. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen that all animals, including humans, need to breathe. They help to slow down winter winds keeping our cities warmer during the colder months. They provide habitat for urban wildlife, And, finally trees are beautiful to look at. They provide city – dwellers an opportunity to engage with nature which has been shown to improve both physical and mental health.
Alice Casselman, ACER’s President instructed students on the use of tools used to measure tree height, trunk diameter and the volume of the tree crown, (the area covered by branches and leaves). The students also learned to identify tree species, and common diseases affecting tree health. They received instruction on proper mulching techniques to ensure that the ground around the tree trunk stays moist while preventing trunk mold growth and protecting delicate roots.
The students then went out to the planting areas to perform the measurement tasks, record the results on their data sheets, and spread city provided mulch around each tree as required.
Over 100 trees were measured over the two days and over 200 trees received mulch.
Brampton’s Forestry Department will receive the collected data and use it to help inform the city’s urban forest management plan.
It seems a good time was had by all.
