Saturday May, 23 (9 am-noon) at Silvercreek Park (North Bank of Speed River, Edinburgh Road South) Guelph
Come and be empowered with knowledge about the natural areas in your neighborhood! Ever wondered which trees are which, and why we continue to plant more native species into the River Corridor? Join us for a short workshop on how to identify trees and learn more about our park trees. We will look at both native and non-native species, and provide a handout that explains prominent identifying characteristics of the dominant species.
There are various reasons we need to plant trees along the river.
Some of the benefits are as follows:
– Restoration of riparian buffer zone slows down surface runoff, reduces river bank erosion, and traps pollutants. Reduced runoff of pollutants reduces algal bloom in the river stream.
– Trees and shrubs increase water storage capacity within the local sub-watershed.
– Tree canopies along the riverbank reduce water temperature and increase dissolved oxygen in the water. Increased oxygen in water increases aquatic biodiversity.
– Planting trees and shrubs increases plant biodiversity in the riparian buffer zone, and provides better habitat for wildlife.
– We can continue our dialogue about our river systems, and various ways to improve the quality of water for ourselves and our downstream communities.
This is a fun, family friendly event!
Refreshments will be served!
For more information and registration please give OPIRG a call at (519) 824 2091, or email Kiran at speedriver@opirgguelph.org www.facebook.com/events/363511400524808/
