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It is also notable because it is not the only black walnut in the neighbourhood. In fact, you could say that the park and surrounding streets are characterized by black walnuts. While the notable tree is by far the biggest and oldest, it is not a stretch to imagine that it is the Mother Tree to many of those nearby. It is also only one stop for the insects, birds, and many squirrels that bound from tree-to-tree in a neighbourhood spoiled with rich canopy.
Guelph Urban Forest Friends (“GUFF”) is the community group that organizes the annual Notable Tree Award in partnership with Nature Guelph. What the award accomplishes, aside from bringing worthy recognition to the handful of notable trees, is the attention it brings to the city’s tree canopy overall. Like so many things in gardening and in nature, something small becomes something bigger. Naturally, the exercise of nominating one tree forces the nominator to consider all the trees. GUFF’s mission is really about the tree canopy, and focusing in on individual trees is just one way to advance the broader cause.
Zoom in, zoom out, zoom in again. Understanding and appreciating natural treasures requires a good set of bi-focals.
So it is with this “lens” that we are looking at the balance of the gardening season. Stopping to take note of notable plants and specimens that grab our attention, and stopping a moment more to consider those individuals are part of their communities.
It’s all a matter of perspective.
With thanks to GUFF, Nature Guelph, and the community citizens who care for the trees.
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