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Selected articles from the Leaflet
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Launching the Membership Drive I recently attended a meeting of environmental groups from across the province, where many had as their mandate the protection of green spaces, as is the case with our association, the MAA. Our discussions invariably revolved around the question of funding and how each of our organizations managed to get by. While speaking with the other representatives, I came to realize that due to its long life and prime location, the MAA is privileged in its ability to rely on an impressive support base from the community. Indeed, in 2004-2005, over half of our revenue was derived from membership. We must therefore raise our hats to you, members, for providing the solid ground that keeps the Arboretum alive and running. Yet, when we look at the number of contributors over the past 20 years, we notice that this strong community base is slowly but surely disintegrating. In 1985, there were 2500 of you, in 1995, just over 2000, and in 2005, roughly 1500. Clearly, we've lost players along the way. Reasons for this are numerous. We all have our own ideas about how we'd like to see the Arboretum improved, however, it is difficult to find consensus over what, in particular, would bring a greater number of supporters. We've chosen the route of increased visibility. The Arboretum has kept a low profile over the past few years and we now want to come out in the open and ask for support from a greater number of individuals and corporations. This year's membership drive will be manifold. We have prepared new promotional material for distribution including an attractive color brochure presently in press. The gatekeepers will be key contributors to this effort. We will be approaching the media for greater coverage of our events throughout the year. We also plan to visit our neighbors to let them know how much the Arboretum is contributing to their quality of life. And since word of mouth is such a powerful promotional tool, we’re hoping to get a hand from you as well. Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, lovers and neighbours why the Arboretum is important to you and how it could become a treat to them as well. Don’t hesitate to request brochures and special recruitment forms from our office or download them from our web site. And if you happen to have time on your hands, we would be happy to see you join our crusade squad, namely the MAA Membership Committee. For more information on either the campaign or the Membership Committee, feel free to contact Board Member and Head of the Membership Committee Mariner Palmer at (514) 620-4141 or mpalmer@arobas.net See you at the Arboretum this Fall, Anne Godbout Home Tree and Shrub Care by John Watson From July 1st to September 15th, the Arboretum Office forwards me many calls from members in search of answers to tree and shrub problems on their properties. The questions range from planting procedures to fertilizing techniques to insect and disease controls. The following is information that is commonly requested by many Arboretum homeowners. Planting Procedures There have been many advances in the areas of purchasing and planting of trees and shrubs over the past 10 – 15 years. With the use of containers, tree spades, and cool storage facilities, the extension of tree planting into the summer months is now quite acceptable as long as certain measures are taken. It is essential to reduce the shock plants undergo during the period following transplanting. The shock is reduced significantly if the trees or shrubs are planted prior to leafing out or after leaf drop. This is because while budding, the root area has the opportunity to adjust and become active in unison with the top portion of the plant. When transplanting trees and shrubs that are in full leaf, it is important to keep the plant stable until the root system has a chance to become active. Pruning back lightly, using antidessicants and transplanting agents that stimulate root activity, and mulching to keep the root area from drying all aid in ensuring transplanting success. In the actual planting, follow these directions: 1) Dig the hole ½ foot – 1 foot deeper and wider than the root ball. If the condition of the soil is poor, it is smart to go deeper and wider. 2) Bring the soil level up remembering the planting depth has to match the ball depth. If the soil level is too high, the bark on the stem base may rot. If the soil level is too low, the tissues at the base may dry causing serious damage. 3) Put a layer of good quality soil in the bottom of the hole. 4) Sprinkle some bone meal or Transplanter in the hole and cover this with approximately 4 inches of soil. 5) Add moisture and plant. The root system should not come directly in contact with the bone meal or Transplanter to avoid the risk of burning. 6) After planting, make sure the soil is firmly tamped. Also, staking the plant may aid in stabilizing until root activity and anchorage takes place. Post Planting Activity: After transplanting, the first month and a half to 2 months is crucial. Moisture is essential but it is important to note that watering in excess can rot the root ball before the root area becomes active. A good single soaking is better than constantly watering because a good soaking will force roots deeper, causing better plant anchorage and stability. Fertilizing Techniques Fertilizing is essential for good plant structure. For trees and shrubs, the selection of an all purpose granular slow release fertilizer is more than adequate. The use of water soluble fertilizers is time consuming and costly and the use of jube sticks is just costly. A bag of slow release fertilizer will go much further at a greater saving than that of fertilizer sticks. The incorporation can be done from May 1st – June 1st. One application per season is all that is needed. Every rainfall or watering, food is dissolved and the feeding process becomes constant. The procedure for fertilizing trees and shrubs is very easy. For shrubs, fertilizer can be sprinkled lightly by hand. For trees, go out to the tree drip-line. By following the drip-line and using a pry bar, a hole is made every 6 – 8 feet that is 2 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The holes are then filled with fertilizer. Then, move one half the distance from the drip-line to the base of the tree and repeat. It’s good practice to keep a garden activities log. This will give you a history of your garden successes…no failures of course. Insect and Disease Controls As plants go through life, there are many factors that can limit normal plant function. These factors can be classed as either parasitic or non-parasitic. Parasitic involve insects, fungi, and viruses, etc. Non-parasitic can be environmental, chemical, or mechanical. It is important to constantly study ones plants for abnormalities. In many cases, if problems are detected early, control measures can be incorporated. In a very general inspection, one would look for proper leaf size and color. Insect damage to leaves and stem are in many cases clearly detectable. If plant problems are detected, advice may be needed. Members of the Arboretum may call us for an analysis and control measures. I hope this information may help in your tree and shrub care. 2005 Winter Smog in Quebec- the Facts about Woodstoves by Christina Idziak Last February, Quebec was covered under an unhealthy cloud of smog or pollutants suspended in the air. While summer smog alerts have become fairly common due to pollutants blowing in from Ontario and the United States, this persistent winter smog is brand new. So, who is to blame for this new source of pollution? Unfortunately, it is ourselves. The smog resulted from fine particulates (PM2.5), a pollutant proven to cause respiratory problems, being released into the atmosphere. While roadsalt spray and automobile exhaust contributed to the particulate pollution, high woodstove and fireplace use along the Saint Lawrence Valley, from Ottawa to Quebec City, exacerbated the situation. The Problem… The Solution…
Did you know… All stoves and chimneys should be checked at least once per year by a technician certified by the Association des professionnels du chauffage (APC). In Quebec, woodstoves produce one half of the province’s PM2.5 emissions. Non certified stoves emit the same amount of PM2.5 into the atmosphere in 9 hours as: High efficiency stoves and inserts use up to 1/3 less wood than older stoves and fireplaces. Unlike summer smog, winter smog is worse in the suburbs and rural areas than in urban centres like downtown Montreal! This is due to more wood burning activities and specific geographical attributes (like valleys) associated with these less populated areas. Researchers at REAP Canada, in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue have been researching Prairie grass as a biofuel (renewable energy source). This grass, other grains, wood and corn can all be made into pellets and burned in special pellet stoves. These biofuels not only cost less to burn but emit less particulate matter to the atmosphere than traditional woodstoves. References: Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, Section on Air Quality. http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp Montreal Gazette, ‘Home Fires Burning’. Saturday February 26, 2005, Pg. B2. 2 For more information of catalytic combustors, visit 4 For dispersion forecasts, consult Celebrating Life If you visit the Arboretum and park near the Conservation Centre, you will soon see a new bench installed at the top of the hill, next to the one that is already there. The bench will be inscribed with the words: GUILLAUME – MARIE-ASTRID FELIX QUI POTUIT RERUM COGNOSCERE CAUSAS 05-05-2005 I selected the bench and dedicated it to my children as a gift to celebrate their respective 21st and 18th birthdays this year (2005). My idea was that, wherever they go in the world, during times of stress, they will be able to shut their eyes and imagine themselves sitting on their bench. They will be able to take a deep breath and feel the calm and profound wisdom governing the laws of nature, both in man and in his environment, and reconnect with its teachings. You are welcome to sit on this bench and think of your own children. The Latin inscription on the bench is from the Roman poet, Virgil. It means: Happy is he who understands the cause of things. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who work daily to maintain this beautiful nature centre. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. M. C. Roset-Joubert Altruism 101 On June 3, 2005, The Globe and Mail published an article by Lorri Benedik, Arboretum member, freelance writer and mother of an 11-year-old boy called Zach. She explained how she and her husband had instilled certain values in their son, in particular altruism. For instance, when they decided Zach should have a weekly allowance, they set up three coloured piggybanks on his dresser. Each week, he was given 7 loonies to be distributed as follows: 2 for spending, 4 for saving and 1 for charity. “What’s charity?” he asked. It was a good question, to which his parents needed to give a good answer. At the end of the year, Zach gave about $50 to the charity of his choice. Lorri contacted me a while back, shortly before her son’s birthday. She and Zach had just got home from Dollorama, where they’d been looking for gifts to fill loot bags for his birthday party. Zach had quickly filled the basket with all kinds of trinkets, which Lorri estimated would have cost close to $80. Suddenly she had an idea and asked Zach to help her put the items back on the shelf, saying “Let’s talk about it.” Confused, Zach followed her back to the car, where she suggested an alternative: giving the money they would have spent to a charity on behalf of his party guests. Zach was visibly disappointed, but after a moment’s hesitation he brightened up and said “What about the Morgan Arboretum?” Needless to say, I thought it was an excellent idea. I have written a letter on official Arboretum letterhead to each of the children invited to Zach’s party, thanking them for their donation and enclosing a family pass for them to visit the Arboretum with their parents. The day before the party, Lorri was worried about how the kids would react to the surprise. She prepared a special envelope for each one and included a box of Smarties with the letter. It was a great success. One of the boys exclaimed “Loot bags are so babyish, but this is cool!” All the parents had a good word to say about Lorri’s idea and, since then, other initiatives have surfaced: buying fair trade products or local crafts as birthday gifts; organizing a community activity for a birthday party, such as cleaning up a park or selling bottles for charity; replacing gifts by donations to a women’s shelter, etc. Lorri and Zach’s initiative showed other parents that it is possible to think outside the box of consumerism and do something that encourages children to care about the community. You have to develop altruism – you can’t buy it at Dollorama! Volunteering Opportunities We are looking for help to man the gate on weekdays for a few hours during mid-day. If you have an occasional few hours to spare and would like to help, please contact Leslie Ann LaDuke at (514) 398-7883 or leslie.laduke@mcgill.ca Our Halloween event, of high entertainment value to local kids, is always very popular and great fun to organize. We are looking for an individual willing to coach a group of young actors who will be performing during the event. We must also re-form the support committee that will be involved in decorating, preparing and serving treats as well as greeting participants. Since many of our publications are written in English, we are also looking for occasional assistance with French translation. If you would like to get involved with the Halloween event or help with French translation, please contact Anne Godbout at (514) 398-8697 or godbout@nrs.mcgill.ca It’s ha rvest time at the Ste-Anne Market Saturdays from 9:30 am to 4 pm In Ste-Anne, on the boardwalk Open until November
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