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Nature Link

With Blake Mann

New tree book

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

There is now a new book available about trees in the Carolinian zone. It is entitled Trees of the Carolinian Forest by Gerry Waldron. The author is a well-known arborist, and lives in Amherstburg, Ontario. His claim to fame is the discovery and identification of three tree species previously unknown to Canada. His most recent is the discovery of the Swamp Cottonwood last summer in Bickford Oak Woods. The attached photo shows that very tree when a few of us took a look at it this past winter.
The book is 275 pages in length and describes well, all of the trees found within Carolinian Canada. The northern limit of this zone is an imaginary line running form Grand Bend to Toronto.
It begins with an introduction about the natural history of the area, how trees evolved, and logging. He describes what trees were found when the Europeans first settled the area. On page 43 there is a passage where our local area is described. "Nearby Wallaceburg is said to have large tracts of the finest white oak timber". The Sydenham River is said to flow through "inexhaustible fields of oak and walnut timber". I alluded to this fact in a previous column.
There is a colour photograph section where many trees and leaves are depicted. Included is a photo of the Swamp Cottonwood with Gerry Waldron and co-discoverer Dr. John Ambrose.
Following that are species accounts, starting with the Ash family. There is a general description of the tree, followed by paragraphs on its habitat, wildlife value, wood, uses, problems as well as detailed descriptions. At the end of each account, he lists Ontario's largest specimen and its location. Each account has a map where the tree is generally found, and an outline sketch of the tree's shape.
At the end of the book, there is a table listing each species, and what habitat it prefers.
Overall, the book is an excellent reference source. It is certainly one of the best tree books available. It is published by Boston Mills Press, and distributed by Firefly Books. It is available in bookstores and nature stores for a modest price.