In Your Community

Join us in celebrating our Urban and Natural Forests in the County by attending a guided Forest Walk on September 22 at 5:00 pm at Jacobs Woods Park, St. George (meet at the end of Hampton Court) 

Did you know that The County of Brant has by-laws that protect trees in woodlands and woodlots? The purpose of the Good Forestry Practices By-Law is to conserve and improve the health of natural heritage areas by controlling and reducing clear cutting, and promote good forestry practices. This bylaw also aims to:

• Improve resilience and adaptation to climate change
• Implement the County's strategic priority for Sustainable and Managed Growth by protecting and enhancing the natural environment
• Promote good forestry practices that sustain and improve healthy natural heritage areas and their related long-term social, economic, and environmental values
• Protect, promote, and enhance the many benefits that trees contribute to the County in terms of aesthetics, human health, recreation, and overall enjoyment and quality of life
• Reduce airborne pollution, protecting and improving the quality and quantity of water, preventing soil and wind erosion, reducing water run-off, and providing cooler temperatures in the summer
• Promote and implement the objectives and policies in the County's Official Plan, Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe on climate change and green infrastructure and regards to the protection, maintenance, and restoration of natural heritage features, areas, and systems

For more information about the Good Forestry Practices By-law, please visit the Trees Bylaw webpage.

Embrace Diversity in Our Urban Canopy

Our communities resemble vibrant tapestries interwoven with a multitude of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds. Just as this diversity enhances our lives, it also serves a pivotal role in fostering the urban canopy around us.

• Biodiversity Matters: The more diverse our tree species, the stronger our urban ecosystem. Different trees provide unique benefits, from oxygen production to cooling effects, and they support a wide range of wildlife.
• Climate Resilience: Diverse urban canopies are better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change. A mix of tree species ensures adaptability to shifting weather patterns and helps combat when we have heatwaves and drought.
• Cultural Connection: Trees from various regions and cultures tell stories of our shared heritage. They offer a connection to our roots and a reminder of the global tapestry we are a part of.
• Inclusivity: Just as our communities thrive on diverse human connections, our urban canopy flourishes with a rich assortment of tree species. Let's ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, benefits from the beauty and benefits of a diverse urban forest.

Share your favourite urban tree and tell us what it means to you! Together, let's celebrate the importance of diversity in our urban canopy and continue nurturing a greener, more inclusive future.

Invasive Species vs. Native Tree Biodiversity

Ever wondered how those sneaky invasive species affect our beloved native trees? Let’s break it down!

1. Invasive species consume sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. This results in reduced availability of these vital elements for our native trees, impeding their growth
2. Altered Ecosystems: Invasive can change the whole game! They often don't have natural predators, so they spread like wildfire, disrupting local ecosystems where native trees and wildlife have coexisted for centuries.
3. Disease Spread: Some invasive species can bring along diseases that native trees aren't prepared to fight. This can lead to devastating outbreaks among our beloved native trees.
4. Habitat Loss: As invasive’s take over, native trees lose their homes. This means less space for wildlife that depend on them, like birds and insects, leading to a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

So, why does this matter? Native trees provide food, shelter, and support to a whole host of critters, and they've adapted perfectly to their environments. We need to protect them to keep our ecosystems healthy and diverse!

What can you do? Stay informed, support local conservation efforts, and avoid planting invasive species in your yard. Let's keep our native trees thriving! Visit the Invasive Insects and Plants webpage to learn more about invasive species.