Inaccessible Tree and Shrub planting in Sam Smith's Warbler Woods

Earlier this month, a number of DASSP volunteers participated in the planting at Warbler Woods, across from the Pavillion in the park! The event was sponsored by Toronto Forestry and the TRCA.  

Unfortunately, DASSP was not notified by Toronto Forestry of a change in location, which differed from the flat, wheelchair accessible one agreed last summer.  When we arrived, the planting was completely being conducted in a rough area INSIDE Warbler Woods, which consisted of muddy ground with many branches strewn about limiting access, participation and enjoyment of the event, for physically disabled participants.

We were told of a "communications breakdown" resulting in lack of notification, but to date, we have not been advised by Toronto Forestry of how this happened, and what steps of remediation will be taken to ensure it does not happen again.  Obviously this is problematic and disheartening for our minority, as we are often subjected to being excluded in our lives, and our main goal is an inclusive park experience.

DASSP was listed in Toronto Forestry literature for the event, as a sponsor and promoting group. 

Hopefully, we will eventually hear back and be advised of what happened and receive assurances that this awful experience will not be repeated.

On the bright side, we were planting side-by-side with many developmentally disabled planters and helpers!  We planted many native trees and shrubs and hopefully all will be a great addition to the reforestation of this habitat within the park.

Many thanks to the DASSP members Vesty, Walt and Rob for turning out, as well as our new additions, Bob, Rob and Josephine, who did the majority of digging and ground work! 

Green Toronto Tree Planting - May 11th 10am - Partnering with DASSP and FOSS

DASSP will be partnering with Green Toronto and FOSS,  for a tree planting of Native trees and shrubs, across from the Pavillion, near Warbler Woods.

Please register and join us !

Colonel Samuel Smith Park Planting Event Wednesday, May 11 • 10 am - 12 pm Join us for a morning of planting trees and shrubs at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. One of Toronto's most unique parks, it's known for great bird watching and a great waterfront view. Native trees and shrubs will be planted to enhance the forest understory and provide valuable habitat. Event partners: Friends of Sam Smith Park and Disabled Allies of Sam Smith Park

Cancellation Policy & Site Information

An event will be cancelled if there is a greater than 70% chance of thunderstorm forecasted, or if hazardous weather arises. We will notify registered volunteers by email at 8 am on the morning of the event if there is a cancellation; however events may be cancelled at any time if needed. Please email greentoronto@toronto.ca if you're not sure if an event has been cancelled.

Planting and stewardship site conditions vary. Contact greentoronto@toronto.ca for information on site conditions including accessibility. If you would like to request accessibility support or accommodation, contact us as soon as possible.

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."

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 !