Our forests are under threats, but recent conference provided home that a new generation is stepping up to lend a hand, says columnist
I just attended the 49th Forest Health Review conference co-presented by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Canada, Forest Canada, and the Invasive Species Centre. Attendance was limited to 150 so I was fortunate to register early enough to get a seat.
As per usual, about seven very knowledgeable speakers gave us their findings from a wide range of research projects that all are related to forest health. The staff from each of the above listed agencies are doing impressive work not only in Ontario, but across the nation in detecting and managing forest pathogens.
Before I get to some of the interesting facts, I'd like to provide a couple of personal overviews of this Forest Health conference. For the past 15 years I have been attending this event, and my initial reaction at assessing the audience remains the same today, in that the age spread is amazing well distributed.
Back in the 1990s such gatherings were usually dominated by men with grey hair. Good men, knowledgeable men, gainfully employed men, but men nearing retirement.
The last number of years have seen the majority of chairs occupied by younger folks in their 20s and 30s. This is good news, as 'the torch has been passed' to the next generation. And not surprisingly, the tech now being used in forest research has been developed by and is embraced by this younger crowd.
The other thing I've noticed, also a good thing, is that the gender ratio is now at least 50/50 (maybe even a bit more on the female side); four of the seven speakers at this event were of the female persuasion. Now some may say that I shouldn't need to even be saying this, but personally I am impressed by the way the industry has opened doors and supported women entering this career path. 'Nuff said.
One of the highlights of this conference is to hear what forest pests are appearing and where. Locally, I'm sure that you are aware of problems with the emerald ash borer killing most all the ash trees, spongy moth caterpillars eating all the oak leaves, tent caterpillars defoliating every cherry tree, and a fungus that is killing all the beech trees. Kind of depressing when listed all together.
However, a bit of good news this year ... the above pests are all in low numbers in 2025. Even the dreaded spruce bud worm, the scourge of boreal Ontario, seems to have taken a breather. Oh, they'll be back ... but for now the forests are little bit greener this year.
One quip from a presenter is that they could not do a "windshield survey" this year. Usually a quick study of a car's windshield would reveal which species of flying insect was out and about, but with the decline of insects everywhere, it was back to checking the sticky traps set out in the woods.
Of course the fear in the room was for what's coming next. Oak wilt is a fatal fungus that is heading our way from Michigan and Wisconsin. If detected, the tree must be immediately cut down and the entire root system removed! This happened a few years ago in the Niagara Region and just outside Barrie; no reoccurrences have been found in Ontario since then.
A nasty little critter that likes to kill hemlock trees is in New Brunswick and is slowly coming to Ontario. And a pretty critter called the spotted lantern fly is steadily moving northwards from the U.S.A. and is trying to cross the St. Lawrence River. Many of the organizations and agencies at this conference were stressing the need for public eyes to keep watch for these invaders.
During a Q&A session, a question from the floor raised some discussions: "What is an example of a healthy forest?" Hmm, labels began to be bantered about ... is a natural forest healthier than a managed forest? Is good lumber production the sign of a healthy forest or does biodiversity including non-commercial species a better goal?
The next speaker was from a company that supplies a variety of products to either kill stuff or promote the growth of other stuff. What was very interesting was that the company uses natural fungi and bacteria (in concentration) to deal with the killing such challenges as buckthorn shrubs. Other products could be injected to strengthen a tree's immunity to certain pests. Combined, these products help to create and maintain a 'healthy forest'.
Hmm. I consider myself to be a healthy 70-year-old, but I require a daily dose of vitamins and minerals, along with a couple prescription drugs to maintain my status. If I had aged 'naturally' would I even be here today? In this scenario, the forest researchers and managers are like the doctors of the forest ... aiding and assisting when possible to keep the leaves green and the wood sound.
Another presenter talked about plant hardiness zones and the changes that are upon us with a shifting climate. He shared a website that is open for the public to visit that allows you to look up any species and see a projected growth zone for that plant. Excellent tool for planning for the future. Check it out at: http://planthardiness.gc.ca
However, after sitting inside for the day, I am ready for a brisk fall walk to enjoy the colours of the trees we are so fortunate to have living all around us.
David J. Hawke is a freelance writer and naturalist who lives in rural North Simcoe County. He has been continuously creating weekly nature stories since 1989... and thinks that there are still many more topics to cover!