Does your tree have the right stuff?


Published on May 09, 2008

Oakvillegreen Conservation Association and the Town of Oakville launched the second annual Great Heritage Tree Hunt and Photo Contest during the Mayor's Annual Arbor Day Tree Planting ceremony last week.

"This is a fun activity for families, school students and anyone who likes trees or photography to get involved in," said Emma Murphy, Manager of Oakvillegreen Conservation Association's Full Circle Tree Initiatives.

The first Great Heritage Tree Hunt was held last year in celebration of the Town's designation as the 2007 Forest Capital of Canada. More than 80 entries were received.

This year's contest has 16 categories, nine for tree nominations and seven for photography entries.

TREE NOMINATION CONTEST CATEGORIES

  • Favourite great tree more than 50 years old

  • Neighborhood landmark

  • Best collection of trees

  • Orchard fruit-bearing tree

  • Best native tree for air quality improvement

  • Tree with the largest circumference

  • Tallest tree

  • Best story

  • Most kid-friendly tree

    PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST CATEGORIES

  • Full tree shot

  • Bark

  • Leaves and branches

  • Fruit or nuts

  • Wildlife in trees

  • Best photo journal

  • Most kid-friendly tree

    A panel of judges will select winners from the tree nominations and photo submissions. The winners will be recognized at the Mayor's Heritage Tree Awards on Sept. 24.

    The Great Heritage Tree Hunt helps identify important local trees for Oakvillegreen's Full Circle Tree Initiatives and for the Town's seed collection and tree propagation programs.

    "Developing an inventory of heritage trees is an important step in good stewardship and sustainable forest development," said John McNeil, Manager of Forestry and Cemetery Services for the Town of Oakville. "When we use seedlings grown from these hardy heritage trees, we improve the health of our urban forest."

    Deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 22.

    Information on the tree hunt and a complete list of categories and entry forms is available online at www.oakvillegreen.com.