Tree seed collection workshop

A workshop is planned for forest owners and forest professionals who wish to find out why about the art of tree seed collection. You will learn about southern Ontario's forests, how seeds are produced, quality and seed genetics, Ontario's provincial tree seed plant, tree seed forecasting and collection, and the Forest Gene Conservation Association's (FGCA) seed source certification program - Ontario's Natural Selections.

Seed collectors are the crucial first link in the chain of people who provide customers with source identified stock. In southern Ontario it is complicated by many variables more than 100 native trees and shrubs, infrequent seed years, uncertain markets and small operators in a private sector. Some growers have commented that they are not always able to get the native species seed they want. Others have commented on seed that is of poor quality, mis-identified by species and of unidentified source.

The objective of this workshop is to provide participants with a basic understanding of the importance of "local native seed" and how to procure it. Upon completion of the workshop participants will also be given information about how to become a certified seed collector. Certified seed collectors are eligible to register and sell their source-identified collections under the FGCA's seed source certification program, Ontario's Natural Selections.

Keep your calendars open for Saturday, Sept. 9 for this workshop starting at 8:30 a.m. and finishing at 4 p.m. This all-day workshop, hosted by Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley Conservation, and Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship (HPWWS), will be held at Terra Cotta Conservation Area field centre at 14451 Winston Churchill Blvd., 2 kilometres north of the Village of Terra Cotta on Winston Churchill Blvd.

There is a $15 registration fee. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Participants are requested to pre-register to ensure attendance as registration is limited to 25 participants

For more information and to register for this workshop, please contact Greg Bales with the HPWWS at 905 7137410, greg.bales@mnr.gov.on.ca or Bill Gaines at 905 336-1158 ext. 261, bgaines@hrca.on.ca