Thousands of trees planted at Stoney Island Conservation Area

Following the removal of more than 7,000 dead and hazardous ash trees at Stoney Island Conservation Area due to emerald ash borer infestation, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has announced that more than 3,000 new native trees and shrubs have already been planted this spring.

SVCA staff planted more than 1,000 trees, with another 2,000 trees and shrubs planted by the public during a Community Tree Plant held Saturday, at the conservation area located on Bruce County Road 23, just north of the Town of Kincardine.



Wyatt (left), Austin and Easton Harrigan prepare to plant trees with the SVCA at Stoney Island Conservation Area, on Bruce County Road 23, just north of the Town of Kincardine, Saturday; these kids even came prepared with their own shovels!

Volunteers of all ages, including members of the Kincardine Cross-Country Ski Club, donated time and energy to help re-establish a healthier, more resilient forest.

"Re-generation has already begun,” says Donna Lacey, manager of forestry and lands for the SVCA. “The sunlight now reaching the forest floor is triggering new growth, and we’re seeing nature adapt quickly. Watching this forest evolve will be fascinating after such significant ash loss.”

Native species planted as seedlings and tall stock include white pine, white cedar, red oak, silver maple, tulip tree, shag bark hickory, black cherry, black walnut, sycamore, poplar, black willow, swamp white oak, and several native shrubs, such as high-bush cranberry, nanny-berry, and red osier dogwood. By increasing species diversity, the SVCA is helping to protect the area from future infestations and environmental stressors.

The community’s effort is helping to reshape the conservation area’s future. While the forest may look different today, it is recovering. This transformation is a chance to witness the resilience of nature and the power of collective stewardship.

The SVCA thanks all the volunteers who came to plant, and to the Kincardine Cross-Country Ski Club for its enthusiastic support.



Donna Lacey, SVCA's manager of forestry and lands, with a selection of native species



Kincardine councillor Bill Stewart (left), SVCA director, takes a break from planting to stand with Donna Lacey, SVCA's manager of forestry and lands