OFGAC South-Barrhaven Sub-Committee
Subject: Butternut & Walnut Grove at Berrigan
(Barrhaven)
On September 22, 2006, a site visit of the Butternut & Walnut Grove at Berrigan Woodlot was organized. In attendance were Hank Jones of the Eastern Chapter Society of Ontario Nut Growers (ECSONG), Bill Grant and Nicole Parent of OFGAC. Regrets: Iola Price (OFGAC), Frances Coates (OFGAC).
1. Following the identification of a significant Butternut Grove, south of Berrigan, at the Transitway Expansion Project in 2005, OFGAC has secured the retention and preservation of the majority of the Butternut Trees. A significant step, considering that the Butternut Tree has been put on the endangered species list in Ontario in 2006.
The Transitway Expansion Project began construction in July of 2006. A Tree Preservation Plan was prepared and approved for this project. OFGAC is now monitoring the current construction activities to ascertain that the Tree Preservation Plan is adhered to and, to ensure that the Butternut Trees and root zones are being adequately protected out to the drip line. For endangered species such as Butternut is, for each one removed at least ten are planted to replace it.
2. Next to the significant Butternut Grove, is another woodlot of mixed deciduous trees which also holds nut trees and mature hard woods. OFGAC and ECSONG have identified Black Walnuts, Butternuts and Red Oaks as the predominant tree species of this woodlot.
Along the sidewalk on Berrigan to approx. 75-100 feet into the woodlot, are numerous healthy mature Red Oaks and a few Black Walnuts and Butternut tree. Over fifty mature trees have been tagged with yellow tape, by OFGAC and ECSONG for retention by the City of Ottawa when planning development of this area. In particular the Butternut tree and Black Walnuts since they represent significant nut trees, with the former being an endangered species. The Red Oaks also deserve a worthy mention due to their maturity and stature: They are situated in two straight rows parallel to the sidewalk. These healthy majestic trees offer a very tall canopy, an appropriate feature when planning a passive park with pathways. When you are on Berrigan Street going east to west, and looking south towards the woodlot, starting at 78 Berrigan address, you can easily see the rows of magnificent Red Oaks, they are approximately 40 to 50 in quantity. Immediately adjacent to the Red Oaks are Black Walnuts. There are five Black Walnuts as you head towards the west. These Black Walnuts are then followed by two huge white spruce trees and an adjacent mature Butternut Tree. This Butternut Tree is far away from the Butternut Grove on the adjacent property, the transit expansion project construction site. There is also a Black Locust (Robinia) in this woodlot. And south of the woodlot, along the cleared area, are several small Honey Locust Trees. To the south of the woodlot are smaller species of trees, which are not as precious/valuable and have not been tagged. They consist of Locust, some good White Ash, Maples, Manitoba Maples and buckthorns. The last two invasive species can be removed without a doubt, when the time is appropriate.
3. Along the Berrigan’s south sidewalk, between the two white spruce trees are what appears to be “woodland sunflowers”, in front of several Manitoba maples. And, closest to the west side of this woodland (at the Edgeware Drive and Berrigan intersection) are Elderberry Shrubs and an immense Sugar Maple. And along the west perimeter of the newly constructed roadway (transitway expansion project) are several smaller Butternut Trees which are definitely worth preserving.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
At the Walnut Grove & Red Oak Woodlot at Berrigan: