Our Work Continues
CLEARING A FOREST TRAIL AT OUR HOSPITAL
We need your help!
For 8 years, NeighbourWoods North has been planting trees/ shrubs and flowers at our Owen Sound Hospital. The ultimate goal is to create a 2 kilometre naturalised walking trail that circles the hospital grounds. This Fall, we are clearing a trail through the north wood lot creating a 200m path through mostly invasive buckthorn.
Can you help us?
When: Saturday, September 6 and 13th, 9:30 - 11:30am.
Where: Meet at the NWN shed, located 100m north of the emergency entrance on Hospital grounds.
Clothing: Old clothes, long sleeved shirt, sturdy gloves to guard against thorns.
Tools: Bring the following if you have them- small pruners, long handled lopers, battery operated reciprocating saw.
FALL TREE PLANTING AT OUR HOSPITAL
Come out and help us plant trees at the hospital!
Every Saturday, starting on September 20th, through to the end of October, we will be planting trees, shrubs and flowers and protecting our current plants. We currently have nearly 200 different trees and shrubs to be planted this year. This selection enhances our biodiversity through the 45 different species that has been selected. It’s very satisfying work, made even more enjoyable by working in teams.
We would love to see you!
When: Saturday, September 20 and 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25
Where: Meet at the NWN shed, located 100m north of the emergency entrance on Hospital grounds.
Time: 9:30 - 11:00am
Clothing: Dress for the weather and bring water
Tools: NWN will provide! Although should you have a favourite shovel, please bring it along.
NeighbourWoods North
Taking a look at Owen Sound from a high vantage point such as the Centennial Tower and a vibrant, healthy urban tree canopy seems to dominant the city. But did you know that Owen Sound loses tree canopy every year? In addition to commercial and residential development urban trees must contend with pests, parasites, storms, winds, traffic pollution, disease, street and sidewalk construction, street widening, and interference by utility wires.
NeighbourWoods North was created in 2017 to help combat the loss of Owen Sound's tree canopy. This is accomplished through plantings, advocacy, and education. NeighbourWoods North started a major tree planting project at the Owen Sound Hospital in 2018. This has grown to include gardens, a walking trail, and eventually local art works and gathering spaces. The dream is to see the once neglected acreage of the Owen Sound Hospital become a tree covered area of community focus and healing.
Advocating for the maintenance and growth of our existing green infrastructure is also important to the welfare of our city. With this in mind, in 2021 NeighbourWoods North urged the city to become a Tree City of the World which helps to ensure proper stewardship of all city trees. With the backing of NeighbourWoods North, the first application was submitted by the City of Owen Sound for consideration of inclusion in the ranks of Tree Cities of the World. Additionally NeighbourWoods North has advocated and will continue to advocate with developers to retain trees on their prospective developments.
NeighbourWoods North is committed to educating the public about the benefits and challenges of urban forestry. We do this through speaking at area schools and organizations. Social media, our website, and our planting activities also help to educate the public about urban forestry and the environment. Future plans include a yearly celebration of our trees.
As part of education and advocacy, NeighbourWoods North works together with individual volunteers and community groups, organizations, businesses, and governments to improve the quality of the local environment in Owen Sound and area. Groups include not only those which focus on the environment but also those focusing on the arts, society, history, sports, service, heritage, and tourism.
We look forward to continuing to improve our urban forests and adjacent lands with and for our community.
