| A member of the GF cliff ecology research team scales a cliff in southern Ontario's Niagara escarpment to study the ancient white cedars that live in this inhospitable environment.
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| Investigators |
| Peter Kelly M.Sc., Research Associate, College of Biological Science, Department of Botany, University of Guelph
Professor Doug Larson, College of Biological Science, Department of Botany, University of Guelph
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What is the Issue? |
| CONSERVATION OF MILLENNIUM-AGED TREES |
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Located on the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment is the only forest ecosystem with millennium-aged trees, and these primarily consist of ancient eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). There is currently no protection in place for the ancient forests of this area, and no structured investigation has yet been undertaken to determine the location and ages of the oldest trees. Recreational activities now pose a threat to the trees of the escarpment area and tagging and investigation of the oldest specimens is crucial. As trees of this species usually only live 6-80 years on level ground, it is critical to determine what the habitat conditions are that produce such great longevity in the trees of the escarpment. Information gathered throughout this long-term study will enable researchers to determine habitat conditions that produce great age and thus contribute to conservation of ancient forests into the next millennium.
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What is our goal? |
| HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR CONDITIONS OF TREE LONGEVITY, CATALOGUING AGES AND LOCATIONS OF OLDEST TREES.
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Where we currently stand. |
| Fieldwork began in 1998 and the project is expected to continue until the summer of 2002. During the summer of 2000, key escarpment sites were sampled, and ancient trees identified and examined. Over the next six months, dendrochronological methods will be used to determine tree ages, and habitat data will be synthesized into a predictive model for determining the location of other cliff populations of old trees. Ink line drawings of the oldest trees will also be prepared. Results will be disseminated in the form of a report to Niagara Escarpment landowners and more widely, providing much needed knowledge to aid in conservation of the oldest trees.
This project has been sponsored in part by Mr. and Mrs Dave Rodgers.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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