In this Issue...
This issue of the Nuttery is probably the biggest yet. It starts off with the announcements of THREE spring field days this year, instead of the usual two. Details are in the Reports on Chapter Projects section. Two the addition is a tour of the Dolman Ridge Plantations.
Following then is a worthy proposal for ECSONG to help set up an new educational Nut Grove in Lanark: please come forward to support this important effort. Also, the CCEA has invited ECSONG to exhibit at the Ottawa Ex: interested in participating?
In the General News section, take a look at a $10,000,000 proposal for a Model Forest in Eastern Ontario. Follow this with a few moments with Guy Lefebvre to learn what transpire in Cornwall and eastwards. Lastly, lighten up with some trivia.
In The Nut Grower, there is a wealth of new information on possible seed and stock sources for a wide number of species. You could find what you need somewhere in this directory.
Check out the advertisements for established source of seed and stock, and literature. Place an ad in the next issue of the Nuttery if you need to reach a buying marketplace.
The Membership section is expanded in this issue to include not only the list of members, the Chapter overview, but also articles on members' personal interests in ECSONG and information on the new Chapter Brochure (one is enclosed).
Letters to editor welcome anytime!! Pleasant reading!
The Spring Field Days for 1992
This year three Spring Field Days are planned. The second Saturday in May, namely May 9, 1992, will be held at the Baxter Nut Grove in the Baxter Conservation Area (see the map and the announcement box for time and directions). On this field day, sponsored by the Baxter Liaison Committee (Cliff Craig, Chair, Dave Johnstone and Alec Jones),the work on the nut grove for 1992 begins. Though work parties are busy in the nut grove often in the summer, this day is an open invitation to all members and their friends to participate, hands-on, in nut tree planting and maintenance. Bring your shovel, rake, secateurs, camera and lunch. Learn from the experts. For more information, call Cliff or Alec, or the Nuttery editor (see the member list at the back of this issue of the Nuttery for phone numbers).
The second field day of 1992, on Saturday, May 23, will be a tour of certain of the nut tree sites now established on Dolman Ridge near Mer Bleu (see the article elsewhere in this issue of the Nuttery for some background on these sites.) This trip will be lead by Moe Anderson, whose foresight and work done almost 20 years ago has given us nut tree sites of unusual species now bearing fruit. Bring you camera, lunch and friends. For more information call Moe or the Nuttery editor.
The third and final field day will be held Saturday, 30 May, 1992, at Oak Valley, sponsored by ECSONG's Oak Valley Plantation Committee (Ralph McKendry, Chair, Irene Woolford, Secretary, Ernie Kerr, George Truscott, and Josée Brizard (South Nation Conservation Authority representative)). This is a new plantation, in the early planning and planting stages. It is an opportunity for members and friends to learn about site and species selection, preparation and environmental factors. See the map and announcement box for times and directions. Bring your shovel, secateurs, camera, and friends. For more information, call Ralph or any member of the committee, or the Nuttery editor.
Oak Valley Plantation Committee
1991 Progress Report
Site map - Ernie Kerr surveyed the roughly triangular 8-acre site and divided it into 10 approximately equal parcels to which he gave labels from A and B across the west end to J at the eastern tip. Installation of 4" x 4" marker posts at the corners/junctions of these parcels was completed as the first snow flew. Alignment of internal roads remains to be determined.
"Weed" control - The white pine plantation in the eastern half of the site was heavily contaminated with Manitoba maples some 3 to 8 feet tall which had seeded in from dozens of mother trees upwind to the west. These young Manitoba maples were attacked with brush saws, chain saws and loppers during Spring and Fall workdays by Committee members and other volunteers and also by summer students hired by the South Nation River Conservation Authority (SNRCA) and directed by their forester, Josée Brizard. The larger mother trees were felled and reduced to chips during the Fall workday with the help of a chipper and operators provided by the Authority. The balance of this species was felled, though not removed, by the Chair early in the winter. Prompt and vigorous suckers may be expected from hundreds of stumps so measure will be needed to cope with this problem.
Mulching with chips or leaves around young walnuts interplanted among the pines was undertaken to inhibit the strong grasses and large weeds prevalent on the site. Irene Woolford got a grant from Shell Oil to transport autumn leaf collections from the municipality of Winchester to Oak Valley. The volume was large and part remains to be distributed in the Spring. Competition from weeds and grass is a major problem to be managed during the first decade or so after planting.
Rodent damage - Many young nut trees and white pines have succumbed from girdling by rodents. Many others are damaged and liable to die as a result. Plastic tree guards were placed by George Truscott and others on most of the Black Walnuts. Pines, since they branch lower, are less easily protected by guards but Irene planned to anoint as many trees as possible with repellant. These measures are of great importance but quite labour-intensive and took second place this season to the attack on the maples.
Planting/tending - Scores of walnut seedlings were transplanted among the pines during the spring workday. To date very few seedlings of other nut-bearing species have been planted.
Nursery - A seed-nursery was established in a 12' x 6' squirrel proof box along the east side of the former barn foundation. Good rich, loose soil was found there and very limited competing vegetation. These conditions prevail in the surroundings of the barn which could make this a good site for holding beds or sapling nursery. George Truscott has accepted to act as our nurseryman.
Planning - A long-term development plan featuring nut-bearing species is being prepared by the Committee for consideration by the Executive of the Chapter and then, with their approval, by the Authority. This proposal envisages development over the thirty-year period to the year 2020 so Hank Jones has sub-titled it the "Vision 2020 Plan".
Liaison with the SNRCA - The basis of collaboration between ECSONG and SNRCA needs to be sufficiently specific to minimize risk of misunderstandings yet flexible enough to minimize "red-tape". It is hoped that the 2020 Plan as finally developed will embody all points required for hassle-free cooperation as well as outline future activities as a series of six 5-year plans. Since conclusion and acceptance of this document may require several months, the Committee is proceeding now with planning for the 1992 season.
Proposals for 1992 Activities in approximate order of priority:
As many readers now know, Moe Anderson spent several years planting experimental plots of nut trees along the Dolman Ridge by Mer Bleu up to about fifteen to twenty years ago. Recent cruises through the area show growth that has well exceeded Moe's expectations. As well, the original planting records are now available. Some 60 or more species were planted in 10 to 20 sites. Possibly 10 nut species are included. One of the species thriving is the endangered sweet American Chestnut, one specimen about 30 feet high and more than 6 inches diameter breast height. Other species found include butternut, burr oak, black walnut (up to 40' high, 6" dbh), bitternut hickory, shagbark hickory, horse chestnut, blue beech, white oak, red oak, Kentucky coffee tree, and beech.
Moe wants to see the National Capital Commission protect these sites for public benefit, including benefits for ECSONG members. Those sites containing nut species are potential sources of acclimatised seed, growth data and site characteristics.
Besides Moe, Mark Schaefer, Alec Jones and Ernie Kerr have spent time researching these sites. It is time to prepare a joint proposal for the NCC and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (who share responsibility for the area) which could see ECSONG and these agencies managing the sites for multiple benefits in the very near future. The proposal should cover several topics. It should provide an overview tracing the history of the sites, set a long term goal and some near term objectives. It should include a map of all selected sites, along with the appropriate historical records. It should provide a plan for site improvement and long term maintenance. It should iterate and examine a suite of potential benefits expected from the joint project. It may also cover other topics as appropriate.
Such a proposal will require careful thought and preparation if it is to win all-round support. A committee of ECSONG people, and maybe others, will be needed to prepare the proposal. Time is short; the proposal is needed this year! Or some of these sites may be lost to development. The ECSONG executive will champion the proposal to the NCC and RVCA.
If you want to get involved, call Moe or Mark.
A New Nut Grove on the Clyde River?
The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Carleton (YSB) is a non-profit agency which helps young people work through crises in their lives. The youth may be experiencing personal problems, and/or conflict with friends, family, school, work or the law. YSB responds to their needs through counselling, residential and advocacy programs.
In 1991 YSB, with assistance from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, was able to purchase a 50 acre campsite for use by its clients and other social service agencies in the region. The campsite is situated on the Clyde River, in the County of Lanark, just on the outskirts of the Town of Lanark.
The YSB staff are in the process of planning several different programs (mostly leisure activities) which the young people could participate in at the campsite. In this context, I have discussed, with the YSB Board, the possibility of asking ECSONG members to give the agency advice on managing the campsite and possibly helping the agency establish a small nut grove there. The objective would be to have ECSONG members act as consultants to the staff and young people of YSB to help them manage the site, rather than have the members do the work themselves.
Such a project would be designed to instill interest in both the staff and young people of the Bureau in managing green spaces as well as improve their knowledge, skill and competence in these matters. The YSB Board is very enthusiastic about such a project and, at this point, I would like to gauge the interest of ECSONG members before proceeding any further.
A. Molino 825-3515
The Chapter has just received an invitation to be an exhibitor at this summer's Central Exhibition in Ottawa at Lansdowne Park during August as part of the Agricultural Show. Our first reaction to the invitation is a resounding YES! (the Ex attracts about 750,000 people a year, at least some of whom would visit our exhibit). Not only would we be able to promote nut growing, but this could be the kick off for a fledging nut nursery, nut wood and nut food industry in Eastern Ontario. Our exhibit could be rich blend of information, products and advertising.
However, we must move quickly if we want to be there! We have till May 1, '92 to decide if we can do it. If you have any comments, suggestions or want to participate, please call the ECSONG chair, Hank Jones, immediately!!
Late last year, the newly formed department Forestry Canada announced a new program called 'The Model Forest Program'. Its aim is to create six to nine so-called model forest in the major forest ecosystem across Canada. The program called for proposals from any interested parties to undertake to plan a model forest. These forests are intended to develop an new perspective on Canada's forests based on sound ecological principles in which people are considered part of the ecosystem. In spite of the very short deadlines, some fifty proposals were submitted, including a large one for eastern Ontario spearheaded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The submission proposes to coordinate forest interests for the 1.5 million hectares of forested land in the region through a "Model Forest Stewardship Council" to be set up specifically for this purpose. Hardwoods comprise the majority of trees in the region. Nut trees are the most valuable species. ECSONG has been asked for a letter of interest to support this $10 million dollar, six-year-long proposal in order to improve its chances of being selected. For more information, or comments, contact the Nuttery Editor.
Activities in the Cornwall area
A letter from Guy Lefebvre reports on some activities in the Cornwall area and eastward:
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Environmental Division's Henry Lickers and Marieta Skidders are in the process of establishing a plantation for bitternut hickory (used for lacrosse sticks) and black ash (used for basket weaving). They will also be working with other types of nut trees.
Mike Folkema, with the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), has just finished putting together a "Handbook on Portable Bandsaw-type Sawmills". Mike is also developing an interest in nut tree culture. FERIC has a number of publications about woodlot management. A list and order form can be obtained from the head office at 143 Place Frontenac, Point Clair, Quebec, H9R 4Z7 (Telephone 514-694-1140). Most of their publications are available free, in English or French, from MNR. district offices in Ontario.
Henri Bernard is a horticulturist who has extensive knowledge of nut trees. He gave a presentation on the subject at the 1988 NNGA meeting in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Carol O'Brien, from the Sutton, Quebec area, is interested in shagbark hickory.
Guy has ordered several varieties of heartnut, hazelbert, American and Chinese chestnut, Carpathian walnut, northern pecan, shellbark hickory, hardy almonds, Turkish tree hazel and king nut hickory from Campberry Farm with the aim of establishing a seed orchard and also to determine whether any of these trees could be grown agriculturally in the St. Lawrence valley. He plans to plant them in various places such as on islands in the river where he anticipates that the number of frost-free days may be increased by the surrounding water. Some trees will be planted as far as 20 km. north of the river. He'll keep us informed.
Bob Stone and the Purdue No.1 Black Walnut
Bob's hobby is woodturning. He has membership in a number of organizations dedicated to furthering wood turning. Bob has sent the Nuttery a suite of articles from the Gutwein nursery in Indiana which holds the patent on this high performance cultivar. Bob writes:
"I hope this (literature) is of some use. Should anyone wish to undertake a joint venture on one or two of these trees, I would be interested."
The literature Bob has submitted is now in the Chapter's Technical Library: Alec Jones, Librarian. The Gutwein nursery can be reached at Fred Gutwein and Sons Inc, Route 1, Box 40, Francesville, Indiana, USA 47946. Bob's number in Blackburn Hamlet is 824-2378.
Plans are afoot for the possible development of a private forest tree nursery in the ECSONG region, with attention to be paid to nut species. Moe Anderson, recently retired from the Research Branch of the Canadian Forestry Service after nearly 30 years service, practices Agroforestry on his own 40 hectare site in Alice Township near Algonquin Park. He plans to set up a greenhouse and a nursery for forest tree production. He has a strong interest in appropriate forest management, including planting and plantation and stand improvement on poor agricultural land. He has collected seed in the Ottawa Valley for nearly thirty years. Eventually, his efforts to develop a nursery of expertly chosen stock could provide the region with a valuable resource in the form of seedlings of many nut species ready for widespread planting. If Moe's goals get your attention, give him a call (see the Membership list for more information).
Ted is a seed collector from Oxford Mills, Ontario. Ted collects seed for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and others. He is also starting up a nursery operations for native species, from which he will be selling seedlings and seed. He will also help members set up their own nurseries or plant trees. Ted has several species available for '92, including black walnut (12"), shagbark hickory, butternut, red oak (12"), and black locust 6'-8'. This fall, depending on seed set in the region, Ted plans to gather for sale black walnut, butternut, shagbark hickory, bitternut hickory, horsechestnut, Ohio buckeye, burr oak, red oak, hackberry, black locust and honey locust.
Ted has a strong interest in developing dwarfing nut trees for this region. Such trees probably would be superior growers, early maturers and require less space. Undoubtedly many ECSONG's members would find dwarf nut trees very desirable. For more information, write Ted at RR #2, Oxford Mills, Ont., K0G 1S0, or call (613) 258-2570.
Undoubtedly you have found enclosed the latest Chapter brochure. Hope you like it. However, it is not the last word on ECSONG, and maybe you can see possible improvements. If so, drop a line to the Nuttery. If you will be attending any events in the near future that you think relevant to ECSONG, and would like to have some brochures to hand out, get in touch with the Treasurer, Art Read (his number is on the front cover of this issue of the Nuttery, as usual).
On March 28, 1992, the Globe & Mail reported that biochemists at the University of Toronto have discovered a chemical compound, purpurogallin (PPG) which is found in small growths on the twigs of oak and other trees, which could prevent cell damage from such conditions as arthritis, strokes and some cancers.
According to the American Forestry Association, the largest pecan tree in the United States is 130 feet tall, 23 feet 10 inches in circumference, has a 90-foot crown spread, and lives in Warren County, Mississippi.
At the last two meetings, the registration form asked attendees interests. Herewith is an overview. This information may help you find others with similar interest, so you can realize your own goals sooner through common action. Remember, members phone numbers are listed at the back of every issue of the Nuttery.
The Baxter Nut Grove: John Carlson, Cliff Craig, Andy Molino, Mark Schaefer, Ken Charlton, George Truscott, Terry McEvoy, Alec Jones, Mike Acton and Bob Moodie.
The Dominion Arboretum: Kurt Wasner, Andy Molino, George Christie, George Truscott, Alec Jones, Mike Acton and Bob Moodie.
Dowsing: Art Read.
Executive: Art Read and Hank Jones.
Field Trips: John Carlson, Art Read, George Truscott, Mike Acton and Bob Moodie.
Oak Valley Plantation: Bob Moodie, Terry McEvoy, George Truscott, Susan Cooper, and Ernie Kerr.
Nut Industry: Guy Lefebvre, Ernie Kerr, Kurt Wasner, Brian Barkley (Speaker - 258-8241), Bob Moodie, and Mike Acton.
Nut Tree Growing: John Carlson, Brian Barkley, Kurt Wasner, Andy Molino, Ernie Kerr, Austin Collett, Golda Collett, Len Collett, Genice Collett, George Christie, Guy Lefebvre, Moe Anderson, Ken Charlton, George Truscott, Susan Cooper, Terry McEvoy, Alec Jones, Hank Jones, Mike Acton, and Bob Moodie.
Seed Collecting: Bob Moodie, Mike Acton, Hank Jones, Alec Jones, Mark Schaefer, Moe Anderson, and Kurt Wasner.
Photography: Terry McEvoy, Mark Schaefer, Kurt Wasner, Len Collett, Genice Collett, George Christie
The Nuttery: Tom Hudz, Jennifer Raiche, Susan Gaden, David Maule, Ted Lawrence, Elizabeth MacKenzie, Bob Moodie, and Mary Jane Jones.
If you have interests in topics not identified, or would like to add your name to any of the above, call or send a note to the Nuttery Editor.
ECSONG Financial Statement for year ending 31 December 1991
Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for Year Ending 31 December 1991
Revenue
Donation $ 300.00
19 1-year memberships 190.00
12 3-year memberships 300.00
33 Nut Grower's Manuals &
27 Recipes in a Nutshell 370.15
Coffee 33.25
Sale of seed 7.00
Advertising 20.00
Bank Interest 64.19
$1284.59 $1284.59
Expenditure
Nuttery printing $ 196.56
Labels & envelopes 57.43
Nuttery postage 132.95
Other postage 23.99
Office supplies 12.65
Photocopying 73.93
DALC Photos & OVPC display 182.89
Video on pruning 52.54
Parking at display booth 10.70
Bank service charges 72.60
$ 816.24 $ 816.24
Excess of revenue over Expenditure $ 468.35
Balance forward from Dec. 31, 1990 $1897.72
Balance as of Dec. 31, 1991 $2366.07
Respectfully submitted by
Arthur Read, Treasurer
March 21, 1992
Possible Nut Species Worth Trying
In the July 1991 issue of "Cognition: The Voice of Canadian Organic Growers", an article by Janet Christrup entitled 'Nutty about Nut Trees' listed the following 36 species:
BETULACEAE
Corylus americana American filbert
Corylus avellana European filbert
Corylus chinenesis Chinese filbert
Corylus colurna Turkish filbert
Corylus cornuta beaked filbert
Corylus ferox Himalayan filbert
Corylus herterophylla Siberian filbert
Corylus sieboldiana Japanese filbert
Corylus tibetia Tibetan filbert
FAGACEAE
Castanea crenata Japanese chestnut
Castanea dentata American chestnut
Castanea mollisima Chinese chestnut
Castanea sativa European chestnut
Fagus grandifolia American beech
Fagus sylvatica European beech
GINKGOACEAE
Ginkgo biloba maidenhair (ginkgo)
JUGLANDACEAE
Carya glabra pignut hickory
Carya illinoensis pecan
Carya laciniosa shellbark hickory
Carya ovalis red hickory
Carya ovata shagbark hickory
Carya sinensis Chinese hickory
Carya tomentosa mockernut
Juglans ailantifolia Japanese walnut
Jugland ailantifolia
var. cordiformis heartnut
Juglans cathayensis Chinese walnut
Juglans cinerea butternut
Juglans mandshurica Siberian walnut
Juglans nigra black walnut
Juglans regia Persian walnut
Juglans stenocarpa Manchurian walnut
Pterocarya fraxinifolia Causasian walnut
PINACEAE
Pinus koreansis Korean nut pine
ROSACEAE
Prunus amygdalis almond
Prunus armeniaca sweet kernel apricot
QUERCUS (the Oaks) include the Burr Oak, Red Oak, White Oak in this region.
The Oaks noted have been added to Janet's list. Other species not readily edible but valuable in other ways include Horsechestnuts and Buckeyes, Bitternut Hickory, and the Hackberry.
Campberry Farm R.R. #1 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 (416) 262-4927 Grimo Nut Nursery R.R. #3 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 (416) 935-9773 Hortico Inc. 723 Robson Rd. R.R. 1 Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H0 (416) 689-6566 Keith Somers Trees Ltd. 10 Tillson Avenue Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 2Z6 (519) 842-5248 Rhora's Nut Nursery R.R. #1 Wainfleet, Ontario L0S 1V0 (416) 899-3508 Roblyn Eyrie Farm and Nursery R.R. #3 Perth, Ontario K7H 3C5 (613) 267-6623 Windmill Point Farm and Nursery 2103 Boulevard Perrot Notre Dame Ile Perrot, Quebec J7V 5V6 (514) 453-9757 Atlantic Nurseries Ltd. 1232 Bedford Highway Bedford, N.S. B3P 2C8 (902) 477-5203 Tsolum River Fruit Trees Box 68 Merville, B.C. V0R 2M0 (604) 337-8004 The Craftsmen of Twin Oaks Custom Cabinet & Millwork Residential, Commercial, Construction Stair Fabrication & Installations St. Andrews West (Cornwall) Telephone 613-936-2502 Sheffield's Seed Co. Inc. 273 Auburn Road RT #34, Locke New York 13092 telephone 315-497-1058 fax 315-497-1059 George Truscott sends the following information on nut seed available from them: Hickories: Carya aquatica Carya cordiformis Carya floridana Carya glabra Carya illinoiensis Carya laciniosa Carya myristiciformis Carya ovata Carya pallida Carya texana Carya tomentosa Chestnuts: Castanea dentata Castanea mollisima Castanea sativa Hazels: Corylus americana Corylus avellana Corylus colurna Corylus cornuta Beech: Fagus crenata Fagus grandifolia Fagus sylvatica Fagus sylvatica 'Atro' Maidenhair Tree: ginkgo biloba Pines: Pinus Koraiensis Walnuts: Juglans ailantifolia Juglans ailantifolia 'Cordiform' Juglans x Buartnut Juglans cinerea Juglans nigra Juglans regia Juglans regia 'Carpathian' Oaks: Quercus acutissima Quercus agrifolia Quercus alba Quercus arkansana Quercus austrina Quercus bicolor Quercus cerris Quercus chapmanii Quercus chrysolepis Quercus coccinea Quercus dentata Quercus douglasii Quercus durandi Quercus ellipsiodalis Quercus falcata 'Falcata' Quercus falcata 'Pagodaefolia' Quercus frainetto Quercus gambelli Quercus garryana Quercus georgiana Quercus hemispherica Quercus x heterophylla Quercus ilex Quercus ilicifolia Quercus imbricaria Quercus incana Quercus kelloggii Quercus laevis Quercus laurifolia Quercus lobata Quercus lyrata Quercus macrocarpa Quercus marilandica Quercus michauxii Quercus muehlenbergi Quercus myrsinifolia Quercus myrtifolia Quercus migra Quercus nuttallii Quercus obtusa Quercus oglethorpensis Quercus palustris Quercus petraea Quercus phellow Quercus prinus Quercus prinoides Quercus robur Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' Quercus rubra Quercus sadlerana Quercus x saulii Quercus shumardii Quercus stellata Quercus suber Quercus turbinella Quercus velutina Quercus virginiana
Provided by ECSONG. Feel free to copy with a credit.