WALK WITH BIG TREES, Oct 15 & 22

BIG TREES of Kitchissippi is hosting two outdoor walking events, open to all, in October 2017. Celebrate the season and our big trees by learning more, talking to experts, and meeting other tree enthusiasts.

October 15, 2017 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Champlain Park Tree Walk – Meet at Champlain Park fieldhouse, 149 Cowley Ave.

On Sept. 27, four bur oaks in Champlain Park neighbourhood were named as heritage trees by the provincial group, Forests Ontario. On our first Walk with Trees, you'll visit these 4 heritage trees and learn what makes them special. Plan to identify at least 3 other tree species common in Kitchissippi Ward as we move between the bur oak locations in Champlain Park neighbourhood.

Your hosts for the walk are local residents involved in BIG TREES of Kitchissippi and in the Neighbourwoods tree mapping project that’s active in Champlain Park, as well as the Champlain Oaks project. They will invite a discussion on how to protect mature trees from a two persistent pests: insects and the effects of human activity!

In case of drizzle, we will proceed with the walk. In case of heavy rain, we will move inside the fieldhouse at Champlain Park.

October 22, 2017 1:30 to 3:30 pm – Hampton Park Tree Walk –Meet near the wading pool, at the parking lot off Parkview Road, which can only be accessed from Kirkwood Avenue, via either Buell St. or Sebring Ave.

Join us for a guided Walk with tree enthusiast and master tree identifier Owen Clarkin. What species are the trees in Hampton Park? How old are they? How are they doing? Owen will share his wealth of knowledge about trees, and stories about what makes these particular trees so fascinating and important.

Forest therapy guide Andrea Prazmowski will be on hand to talk about the benefits trees provide, and their value in Ottawa’s urban environment.

For the final part of the session, we'll have a Q & A session with tree enthusiasts who live in Kitchissippi Ward. Find out how you can get involved in protecting and planting trees -- for today and for future generations.

In case of drizzle, we will proceed. In case of heavy rain, please meet at Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island Park Drive.

At this event, we’ll collect donations to cover costs associated with Owen’s time.