Rescuing the forest, one tree at a time

[Staff]

Rescuing the forest, one tree at a time
Assiniboine Park undergoes crucial makeover
By: Lindsey Wiebe
July 6, 2009 1:00 AM
Winnipeg Free Press

Rescuing the forest, one tree at a time - Winnipeg Free Press
excerpts from above:

A few years ago, the stretch of forest along the river in Assiniboine Park was full of monkey trails from cyclists and overgrown with a stubborn, invasive shrub.There was "a total lack of understory," said Kristin Tuchscherer, education co-ordinator of creeks and streams for the City of Winnipeg, referring to the seedlings and other vegetation that grow under the forest canopy. But after planting 5,500 trees over the past three years and digging out thousands of invasive seedlings, Tuchscherer said the riverbank 'riparian' forest is regaining its health.

Last month, students and volunteers spent time in the park, planting native species and digging up European buckthorn seedlings and small trees. They've unearthed thousands since efforts to get rid of the buckthorn started more than a decade ago.

"It'll probably never be eradicated," Tuchscherer said. "It's more of choosing areas that have a possibility of restoration, and ones that are maybe a little more important in terms of biodiversity."

[Equilibrium]

Buckthorn is my bane.

[gbreadman]

I think I have a few near the roadside, as well as in the deep woods, waiting to sprout if full sun ever hits them.

I was worried I might pull a dogwood because they both have a similar leaf pattern. This link helped a little bit:

http://www.creditvalleycons.com/prog...Management.pdf

Dan

[Equilibrium]

These have a classic dot dash patterning in the bark. There is normally a telltale thorn present. Do you need some photos to feel more comfortable yanking them out?