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."

Summer photos for a cold winter's day !

Here are a few pics from DASSP member Rob Lagacé, to warm your thoughts on this cold winter morning, before tonight's expected snowstorm...

Happy New Year! Meet some of the folks at DASSP !!

On New Year's Eve, a few of us here at DASSP got together for a festive planning session going into 2022. We have a few interesting ideas for the upcoming year, so please stay tuned... In the meantime, this gives us an opportunity to indroduce 3 of the 5 current members of DASSP; 

                                                                  Vesty

Rob

Walt

Unfortunately, Helena and Cyril were not present.  We will all look forward to seeing and chatting with you in Sam Smith Park throughout 2022 !   Please keep safe.

The Footbridge over the Creek is now wheelchair semi-friendly again!

One of the main issues that remained, following all the recent improvements identified by DASSP, was the fact that the Creek footbridge, between the narrow path into the park from the schools and the playing Oval, had become unfriendly for those using wheelchairs.

Over time, the soil on either side had fallen away from the cement, like the issue previously fixed at the Pavillion.

The good news is that the problem has successfully been remediated, and it is now safe for those in power chairs.  

The bad news is that for those in manual chairs, the steep slope on the east side of the footbridge requires an extension of the handrails on either side, or a correction on the degree of incline into/from the Oval.

We are following up on that issue and hope to have it remediated in a timely fashion.

Lack of Bat Boxes in Sam Smith Park

In a recent meeting with Janette, Kaylyn and Monica of  Green Toronto, DASSP asked about installing some Bat boxes around Sam Smith Park.

Park visitors may have noticed, especially at dusk, that the Brown Bat population in SSP has crashed heavily over the last few years, likely due to "White Nose Syndrome" which is a fatal disease to the species.

DASSP is hoping that Green Toronto can assist us with this worthwhile endeavour and Janette agreed to reach out to TRCA and Parks staff to determine what is feasible! 

DASSP has also suggested that if feasible, TRCA could do a pilot study on the success of the project, if it does go forward.  

Our homeless bats await !

Planning for the SSP Spring Planting in May 2022

DASSP attended a meeting with FOSS and Toronto Forestry on Friday, locating sites for the upcoming Spring planting event to be conducted in mid-May of next year.

After a review of some of the locations near the dogwood patch, where FOSS will be doing some planting, DASSP and Toronto Forestry agreed that the SE fringe of the area near Warbler Woods, would be a great location.

The area selected is far enough from the main path, to be safe during Covid times, is flat, and is also close enough for Seniors and wheelchair users to navigate.

DASSP is looking forward to participating, and very pleased that this time, we were included in the planning process. 

Below is a picture of the accessible area selected by DASSP, for next year's planting;

Sam Smith Park photography from one of our members, Vesty!

Dunlins, Herons, Turtle laying eggs, Dragonfly and Stormy weather. Oh my!