The Restoration of Paradise Grove (continued from page 18)
was low throughout the majority of the site, and surface soil restoration was recommended, to be conducted in conjunction with the fall replanting. In combination with the application of mulch, using a top dress application of compost around the planting site would allow for the slow and gradual release of vital nutrients into the soil, mitigating the critically low soil nutrient levels over time. Fortunately, Niagara Parks already has its own composting program, therefore this recommendation was a welcome addition to NPC’s current tree planting program. While low soil nutrient levels were identified as one of the stressors to the Oak trees, VRIC also considered other potential causes of the Oak decline. This research identified that over the past five years, Paradise Grove has experienced periods of severe drought, followed by increased precipitation, damaging defoliation by the invasive Spongy Moth, and increased visitation, leading to soil compaction. It is believed that all of these stressors combined, have resulted in the decline of the Oak trees at Paradise Grove.
Oaks Project. The Chautauqua Oaks Project is a volunteer initiative that partners with Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies to collect and propagate acorns from heritage trees throughout the Chautauqua neighbourhood within the Town of Niagara-on-the- Lake. The primary goal of this initiative is to restore the diminishing tree canopy within the Chautauqua neighbourhood. When resources allow, this group of residents also supports tree planting in other parts of the community. Niagara Parks was very fortunate to receive these locally sourced and propagated Oak trees from these iconic old growth trees. Due to this tremendous community support, Niagara Parks was able to meet and exceed its initial replanting target, resulting in the planting of 215 new trees.
Looking Ahead
The 2022 tree planting initiative at Paradise Grove also contributes directly to Niagara Parks’ Urban Forestry Management Plan, designed to create a healthy and resilient forest canopy throughout Niagara Parks. This will be achieved by increasing the forest canopy cover from 28% to 35%, to increase biodiversity and manage invasive species, while conducting ongoing monitoring.
Volunteer Groups Help Make Reforestation Possible
During October 2022, Niagara Parks staff planted the 150 replacement trees, consisting of over twenty species and multiple stock sizes and ages to increase biodiversity, while increasing forest canopy cover. In addition, Niagara Parks received another 65 oak trees donated by the Chautauqua
About the Niagara Parks Foundation
The Niagara Parks Foundation is a registered charity governed by a Board of Governors, established to support and advance the stewardship initiatives of
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Ontario Parks Association
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