Restoring the Oak Ridges Moraine

The original vegetation of the area of the Oak Ridges Moraine was "a mixed forest of pine and hardwoods. The valuable white pine was early sought out and very few trees of any size are left in the present woodlots. Among the hardwoods, hard maple, beech, and red and white oak were the most important and a few good stands may be seen." This is according to the book "The Physiography of Southern Ontario", published by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

In my May 30 blog I reported how these trees - pine, maple, beech and oak - are among the very most important ones for creating wildlife habitat.

The destruction of trees has continued in the same way as in the early days, because of developers feeding off the human overpopulation problem. However, if there is any good news about urban sprawl, it is that most of the houses have very large yards round them. What an opportunity to plant new trees! Instead of having to spend their weekends cutting acres of grass, the owners of these new houses - rather, the entrusted stewards of the land - could create good karma for themselves by planting the kinds of trees which rightfully belong there.

Then they could enjoy observing the many species of birds and animals which these trees would attract.