About the York-Durham Chapter

History

The Chapter had its beginning in 2003 in a cooperative workshop sponsored by the York Environmental Stewardship, York Forestry Department and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. The draft constitution was approved in a meeting in June , 2012. The first AGM was held on October 2012.

The York-Durham Chapter was created to serve the woodlot owners and individuals interested in their trees in the York and Durham regions as well as the Greater Toronto Area.

The Board

The Chapter Board is a group of volunteers who put on or promote local events that enable the members and the public to participate, learn and share ideas and information about the management and enjoyment of their woodlots. There is much more to the woodlot than just a bunch of trees. Our events are often hands-on, face-to-face and in the field. All events organized by the Chapter are open to the public.

Programs

The chapter has hosted a regular series of workshops:

• Pond construction and Management
• Chain Saw safety workshop
• Maple Syrup Making Demonstration
• Environmental Garden Visit
• Healthy Forest with York Region Forestry
• Creating a Forest
• Creating Farm and Forest Wildlife Habitat
• Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
• A Home Sawmill Operation
• Woodlot Tour and Workshop on Creating a Forest
• York Durham Chapter hosted the 2017 OWA AGM in Newmarket

The most popular events are the “walk abouts” held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The Board arranges interesting sites where those attending have the opportunity to see what other woodlot owners have done to create and preserve their woodlots.

The Chapter recognizes the support of the York Region Forest staff and access to the the new eco-friendly Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre in the Hollidge Tract of the York Region Forest. This is an outstanding new “Platinum Leed” certified building that minimizes the amount of electricity, heat and water to function efficiently.

Come Join Us

Woodlot owners in York and Durham Regions as well as others who are interested in learning about good woodlot management are invited to join the Chapter through the Ontario Woodlot Association.

Chapter contacts: lorne.smith@sympatico.ca, 905-640-3906

wellsa@sympatico.ca 905-852-3051