We’ve had many inquiries over the past few weeks about December’s ice storm and how the Arboretum was affected. Last month, the Guelph Tribune interviewed our manager, Ric Jordan, for an article on the subject – here’s a link for those of you who are interested (click here)! Though our assessment is ongoing, our tree collections and natural woodlands did sustain considerable ice damage that will take years to recover from. Clean-up has so far focused on making sure the grounds are safe and accessible. This coming spring and summer we will need to dedicate a great deal of resources to cleaning up downed trees and branches. Pruning and repairing damaged trees, and replacing those that were killed by ice damage, will be a long-term project.

Donations are always welcome and appreciated – please consider a contribution to the Arboretum Development Fund (simply click on the ‘Donate’ button on the right!) to help support ice storm recovery at the Arboretum. Your donation will go towards supporting the personnel (including summer students) and equipment we will need to clean up and repair ice storm damage. Thank you, and don’t forget that the Arboretum is a wonderful place to get outdoors in wintertime – come and visit soon!

Broken Montmorency Cherry in Gosling Wildlife Gardens. Photo by C Earley

 Broken White Pine and bench in the World of Trees collection. Photo: C Earley