Centennial Butternuts

Back in October 2019, TFN began a program aimed at protecting and propagating butternut trees (Juglans cinerea, an endangered species) at our Jim Baillie Nature Reserve (JBNR). On May 6, in honour of TFN’s 100th Anniversary, our stewardship volunteers added seven new butternuts (certified and local to seed zone 37) to the growing population at JBNR! On behalf of all TFNers, a special thanks goes out to all of the volunteers who contributed to this planting.

With the threat of butternut canker expected to kill off 97% of the butternut trees found in Ontario, TFN takes the protection of this wonderful species with all due seriousness. Visits to the reserve are already scheduled over the summer to ensure this new planting has the best chance of long-term success. Volunteers will continue to remove non-native plants in the immediate area to reduce competition, water the trees to help them establish themselves, and monitor their ongoing health.

Toronto Field Naturalists wishes to acknowledge this Land through which we walk. For thousands of years, the Land has been shared by the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe. Toronto is situated on the Land within the Toronto Purchase, Treaty 13, the traditional and treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is also part of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, a covenant agreement between Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wendat peoples and allied nations to peaceably share the land and all its resources. Today, the Land is home to peoples of numerous nations. We are all grateful to have the opportunity to continue to care for and share the beauty of this Land.