Photo supplied by Trees for Life and Vineland Research & Innovation Centre
Efforts to restore Ontario’s endangered Butternut tree are gaining momentum, with Pembroke among eight communities set to receive new plantings this fall.
Trees for Life and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre say they have successfully produced more than 600 Butternut trees this year as part of a collaborative effort to help rebuild populations of the native species.
The Butternut has been listed as an endangered species in Ontario for 18 years. The new trees will be planted in communities across southern Ontario, including Pembroke, Bourget, Brighton, Cumberland, Exeter, Finch, Guelph and Kemptville.
The initiative aims to establish local populations of the tree while improving the methods used to grow healthy Butternut seedlings.
Over the past three years, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has conducted research into growing conditions and propagation techniques that could help nurseries produce stronger, healthier trees more consistently.
The research was supported through Ontario’s Species at Risk program, with contributions from industry partners, including the Forest Gene Conservation Association, nursery professionals and restoration practitioners.
Researchers examined several factors affecting successful production, including growing mediums, fertilizers, containers, seed treatments and germination conditions.
Among the key findings was that well-aerated growing mediums supported better germination, while fertilizer helped seedlings develop greater height and stronger stems.
Researchers also found that air-pruning containers produced healthier root systems, reducing root circling that can affect a tree’s stability and long-term growth after planting.
Seed preparation and quality were also identified as important factors in successful production.
Trees for Life Executive Director Marina Dimitriadis says restoring the Butternut will require a long-term commitment, with the latest plantings representing an important step toward bringing the endangered species back to communities across Ontario.
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Director of Plant Responses and the Environment Rhoda deJonge says the goal is to ensure nurseries have the knowledge and tools needed to grow high-quality trees that can thrive once planted.
The organizations say the findings will help establish practical growing guidelines for nurseries and increase the province’s capacity to produce Butternut trees in the years ahead.