SSP Spring Bird Festival - Saturday May 27, 10 am - 2 pm

Please bring your kids and family! Fun for everyone! 

Woodlot Restoration - Removal of Invasive Norway Maple species, planting of Native species

Kaylyn, of Toronto Urban Forestry, has provided us an update:

"As discussed at our fall site meeting, this year we will be working to restore the lower portion of the woodlot north of the pond (see map below). The understory of this area has been heavily impacted by trampling, which has led to soil compaction, loss of understory vegetation and loss of overall plant diversity. A planting event is being scheduled to take place in spring 2022 to help replace understory vegetation and increase plant diversity. Prior to the volunteer planting event, our forestry field crews will take on some site preparation work, including woody invasive species management and installation of temporary fencing.   

Woody invasive species management will help prevent native plant species from being out competed by invasive plant species. This work will involve the removal of a number of smaller diameter stems, mostly Norway Maples, and approximately 17 invasive trees between 10-20cm diameter. Without management, Norway maples will crowd out and shade native vegetation and young trees, preventing understory vegetation from establishing. Pesticides will be applied directly to each individual cut stump to prevent them from aggressively re-sprouting.

Woody invasive removal work is anticipated to begin mid - February. Brush piles may remain on site for a few weeks until our vehicle is able to access this site for their removal (weather dependent). Fencing will then be installed in early spring prior to planting to discourage further trampling and allow newly planted material to establish.

The overall goal of this project is to restore the forest understory and  improve habitat conditions for birds and other wildlife. 

Native species to be planted this spring will include white pine, red oak, bur oak, serviceberry, dogwood, choke cherry and raspberry."

Sam Smith Park - Green Toronto inclusive Planting event was a great success!

On Saturday the 25th, DASSP participated in the Planting event, sponsored by Green Toronto.

Walt, along with, Frank and Sue, a pair of able-bodied members of DASSP, were asked to plant 3 different, bird friendly, native shrubs along the North Eastern edge of the large bowl, behind The Gatehouse.

We planted ninebark, witch hazel and and dogwood, and the timing was great, as a few hours later Mother Nature graced us with a rainstorm!

Many thanks to Janette Harvey and her friends at Green Toronto, for a well organized, and Covid distanced event! Participants were limited by pre-registration and completion of Covid assessments and forms.

Let's hope that this time next year, the birds are as happy as everyone at DASSP and FOSS were!

Inclusive Tree Planting confirmed for September 25th by Green Toronto

Janette Harvey of Green Toronto confimed to DASSP today, that the upcoming event at Sam Smith Park will be inclusive for Disabled and Seniors! 

Due to Covid protocols, only a limited number of participants are able to attend, and the slots have already been reserved for this year. 

Additionally, Green Toronto also confirmed that planning for the yearly events, starting in 2022 will also include feedback from both DASSP and Friends of Sam Smith Park (FOSS) on site selection so that accessible sites are located and approved. 

Many thanks to Janette, and all the folks at Green Toronto for listening and rapidly responding to the important issues which DASSP had outlined. 

Let the trees take root!

September 25th - Inclusive Tree Planting site selection at SSP, by Urban Forestry and Green Toronto.

This morning DASSP had a meeting with Ray Vendrig of Toronto Urban Forestry, and Scott Laver of Green Toronto.

In the meeting DASSP outlined the issues regarding the lack of inclusivity for the upcoming Tree Planting at Sam Smith Park on Saturday, September 25th.

Ray and Scott outlined the process of site selection, as it exists now, and noted that DASSP had not been included the the original site selection onsite review which occurred with FOSS only, early this year.

We are assured that DASSP will be included in the site selection next year, to ensure that inclusive planting sites are chosen from now on.

DASSP outlined three (3) inclusive sites for this month's event. Two of the sites are flat and currently occupied by goldenrod, while the other is a previously used tree planting area beside the Pavillion.  The site will be selected next week during another meeting, and all three sites support bird life and migration, while paying attention to the creation of shade as well.

This year's tree planting for Disabled and Seniors, would unfortunately, be on a different site, from the one selected by FOSS.

The meeting culminated with a discussion on tweaking the actual yearly planning process, to ensure that DASSP is involved for SSP planting events, and that other Disabled and/or Senior groups are involved in events throughout Urban Toronto Green parks, to support the inclusive expansion of the valuable tree canopy in Toronto.

Urban Forestry and Green Toronto both stated that they support DASSP's goal of all Toronto Park events being inclusive for all Black, LGBTQ+, Disabled, Islamic, Senior, Aboriginal, etc., citizens !

Stay tuned for next week's update !