By Jenn Watt

Published March 19 2019

Trees along the shoreline of Head Lake Park are doing well for the most part with good soil conditions.

Trent University student Anieca Lloyd gave a presentation on her research into the trees during Dysart’s environment and climate change committee meeting on March 8.

“The purpose of this project was identifying that tree mortality along the shoreline was an issue and I was given the task to identify the native trees and based on the trees that were present recommend a sustainability plan for future” Lloyd said.

She looked at tree damage or loss native species present and methods of ensuring the trees continue to be healthy. The final report will include recommendations on what kind of trees should be planted in the future.

The project which was co-ordinated through U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research looked at trees with a diameter greater than 2.5 centimetres. Lloyd took soil samples checking its pH and level organic matter. She found pH was normal and the organic matter low which she said meant flooding would not affect tree mortality.

In total 61 trees were evaluated the majority of which were cedars. The largest trees were willows with the thickest trunk measured at 91.2 cm.

“The majority of the trees did not have any visible physical damage done. The only thing that was noticed is a bunch of sugar maple trees had physical damage done through metal support stakes that were not removed after the tree no longer needed them” Lloyd said.

The other physical damage was to the willow tree that used to overhang the bridge. It was removed following wind damage last year.

Lloyd’s recommendations included removing the metal support stakes from the maple trees using bylaws to limit damage done from people climbing and breaking branches planting a diversity of trees and continuing to monitor the shoreline as the species composition will change over time as trees die and others grow into their places.

She said there were no invasive species noted but staff should remain vigilant.

“The emerald ash borer is a major concern so the ash trees could go through and eventually be invaded by the emerald ash borer” Lloyd said. “So it’s important to again maintain diversity so if these trees do suffer an invasive species the shoreline is not completely depleted of trees.”

Lloyd along with other students who have done recent research in the Haliburton Highlands will be at the U-Links Celebration of Research at the Minden Hills Community Centre on Saturday March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. The guest speaker will be Ray Letheren. Light refreshments are provided at the free family-friendly event.