ECSONG's Public Nut Groves

Filmore R. Park Nut Grove (FRPNG)

This grove (aka the FRP Nut Grove), founded in 1979, is named to commemorate Filmore R. Park, one of the two founding members of ECSONG, and the original proponent of the nut grove before the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) in 1978.

The Nut Grove is located in the Baxter Conservation Area just south of Kars, Ontario on Regional Road 13. It can be accessed from the McManus Interpretive Centre in the Baxter Conservation Area by following the trail from the back of the centre, or by parking at the south end of the Third Line Road and following the old road beside the garage. At the entrance to the grove there is a sign kiosk offering a detailed map of the site, and a free brochure for self-guided tours. The picture shows the grove from a position at the northwest corner of the site, looking southward towards the Rideau River which is just beyond the farthest trees.

The site slopes from high dry ground, through to wetland, and has sandy to sandy/loam soils. It has been contoured to provide air drainage to the Rideau River, and a pond is located at the end farthest from the river. Thus the site offers a range of microclimates for testing. Many of the plants are now nut producers. New species, varieties, and cultivars are being planted every year, towards completing the collection of an estimated 60 to 70 kinds of nut trees that could grow locally. Today there are more than thirty kinds on display, comprising about 100 individual specimens. Included are Ginkgos, Nut Pines, Oaks, Walnuts, Hickories, Buckeyes, Horse chestnuts, Hazels, Yellowhorn, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Locusts, Beech, Black Cherry, Chestnut and Hackberry. Some commemorative Trees have been planted to honour individuals' contributions to the advancement of the Nut Grove.

The land is owned by the RVCA, whose staff and equipment help maintain the nut grove, along with volunteers from ECSONG and their friends. It is managed by the Fillmore R. Park Nut Grove Liaison Committee, whose members plan, arrange, supervise and carry out much of the work, with help from the Eastern Ontario Model Forest.

Filmore R. Park Nut Grove (FRPNG) Contacts:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org
2. Peter Goddard, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority; (613) 489-3592 peter.goddard@rideauvalley.on.ca

Dolman Borthwick Nut Grove (DBNG)

The Dolman Borthwick Nut Grove (DBNG), in which ECSONG became involved in 1979, is named for its location on the Dolman and Borthwick Ridges, 45°24'N 75°34'W, in the Greenbelt near the Mer Bleue in the city of Ottawa. Originally planted as part of Forestry Canada's 385 ha Central Research Forest in the 1960s and 1970s, they were returned to the National Capital Commission in 1979, at which time ECSONG became a collaborator in the nut tree plantations. Moe Anderson, now an ECSONG member, planted a great many of these experimental plots of nut trees as a member of the CRF. And, Moe preserved many of the original planting records, which will enable the original CRF research goals to be continued. In 2000, ECSONG's then DBNG coordinator John Sankey recommended that the sites oaks plantations be named in Moe's honour.

On 20 May 2000, the oak groves were officially named the Mogens Leif Anderson Oak Plantations, in honour of his work to promote Canadian forestry.

The plantations include two dozen plantations of nut bearing trees and shrubs, with thousands of specimens of about a dozen species. Nut pines, oaks, black walnuts, butternuts, bitternut hickory, shagbark hickory, American chestnut and horse chestnut are represented: beaked hazel and American beech occur naturally. Most are similar in nature to a woodlot. Our programs offer participants the opportunity to observe, learn and experience agro-forestry activities specific to nut trees.

The land is owned by the NCC, whose staff and equipment help maintain the plantations along with volunteers. It is a collaborative project between ECSONG, the NCC, the International Oak Society, the Canadian Chestnut Council, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, with help from the Eastern Ontario Model Forest and the Ottawa Stewardship Council.

Dolman Borthwick Nut Grove (DBNG) Contacts:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org
2. Joff Cote, ECSONG's DBNG A/Coordinator joff.cote@mnr.gov.on.ca
3. Johanna Currie, National Capital Commission; (613) 239-5574 JCurrie@ncc-ccn.ca

Oak Valley Nut Grove (OVNG)

This grove, initiated in 1986 by Irene Woolford Broad, is named for its location in Oak Valley, Ontario, 45°00'N 75°22'W.

The four hectare grove, abutting a channel of the South Nation River, is divided into two roughly-equal areas. The east half is dominated by a Black Walnut Plantation, currently growing amongst White Pines, a nurse species, with a series of walking trails. The west half is open parkland with a variety of nut tree species. One of Ontario's three Butternut Archives of the Forest Gene Conservation Association is on the site. Co-located with the nut grove is the Pioneer Homesteads Heritage Site, an initiative of Dr. Ralph McKendry and family. Commemorative Stones are available for pioneer families in the area. The Truscott Nut Tree Nursery is a feature of the nut grove. The entrance has a large sign, and offers a map and brochure to visitors.
 
The land is owned by South Nation Conservation, and is managed by ECSONG under a long-term management plan. We have received assistance in the project from South Nation Conservation, Human Resources Development Canada, Forest Gene Conservation Association, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Lions Club, Canadian Legion, National Defence Fish and Game Club, and Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry Land Stewardship Council.

On 28 April 2003, the Oak Valley Liaison Committee was presented with an Ontario Heritage Foundation Achievement Award and an municipal appreciation certificate by the Mayor and councillors of North Dundas.

Oak Valley Nut Grove (OVNG) Contacts:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org
2. South Nation Conservation; 1-877-984-2948

Dominion Arboretum Nut Trees (DANT)

Since 1991, ECSONG has operated in the Arboretum under the aegis of a joint committee called the Dominion Arboretum Liaison Committee (DALC). Originally, it included the then Curator of the Dominion Arboretum Trevor Cole and a number of ECSONG members. Today, there is no longer a Curator to oversee the scientific records of the Arboretum. The DALC is interested in improving the scientific information about nut trees in the Arboretum.

Over the years, ECSONG has contributed a number of nut trees specimens to this national collection. ECSONGers Ted Cormier and Jane Lynas have made notable contributions. Most notable were a number of bur oaks from Texas (Quercus macrocarpa) sent by Jane. Texas bur oaks produce starchy acorns the size of golf balls. It is hoped that these trees can grow well in our region. Their acorns could become an important part of our annual commercial and hobby nut crops if successful.

Dominion Arboretum Nut Trees (DANT) Contacts:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org
2. Friends of the Farm; (613) 230-3276 thefarm@cyberus.ca

Lavant Shagbarks Nut Grove (LSNG)

Management of the site is under the direction of a Lavant Shagbark Hickories Committee, with goal to ensure the long-term perpetuation of the population and associated ecosystem. Its members are Hank Jones (ECSONG), Tom Richardson (General Manager, Mazinaw-Lanark Forest Inc.) and Linda Touzin (Forester, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville).

Lavant Shagbarks Nut Grove (LSNG) Contact:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org
2. Linda Touzin OMNR; 613-258-8268 linda.touzin@mnr.gov.on.ca

NRC Memorial Nut Grove (NRCMNG)

A ginkgo tree was added in 2004 in memory of another CISTI employee, Sheri Campbell.

ECSONG encourages groups to consider planting Memorial Nut Groves. There are many species of nut trees that can grow in the region, some hardwood, some softwoods, including both deciduous and evergreens. There are nut shrubs as well. A Memorial Nut grove can be an landscaping wonderland, a fitting memorial. The nuts attract a variety of wildlife thereby adding vibrancy to beauty and longevity.

NRC Memorial Nut Grove (NRCMNG) Contact:

1. ECSONG: 613-231-4224 ecsong@ecsong.org