Calling all tree enthusiasts: the public is invited to register for Trees Ontario's Certified Seed Collector Workshops

TORONTO, July 19, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - With Ontario in need of a billion more trees to achieve the minimum 30 per cent forest cover needed for a healthy ecosystem, it is critical for growers to have a consistent supply of native woody plant seed. This summer, Trees Ontario, in partnership with the Forest Gene Conservation Association and the Ontario Tree Seed Plant, is hosting four Certified Seed Collector Workshops.

In southern Ontario, seed collection is complex as there are more than 100 native tree and shrub species, inconsistent year-to-year tree seed production and fluctuations in the demand for specific species. If seeds are mis-identified, sourced from unidentified locations, or generally of poor quality, it is challenging for tree seedling nurseries to supply healthy stock for upcoming planting seasons.

For climate change mitigation strategies to succeed, high quality, source-identified native seeds are needed. Furthermore, well trained and informed seed collectors are needed to support long-term seed banking and assisted migration efforts in Ontario.

Trees Ontario's Certified Seed Collector Workshops are hands-on courses covering seed forecasting, seed collection, handling, processing and storage. Participants may become Registered Certified Seed Collectors with the Forest Gene Conservation Association upon successful completion of the final exam.

Workshops will be held in the following locations:

Ontario Tree Seed Plant August 21 and August 22 141 King St Angus, ON L0M 1B0

Walpole Island Land Trust: Heritage Centre July 31 and August 1 RR3 Walpole Island, ON N8A 4K9

Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture August 29 and August 30 2565 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2

Lambton College September 5 and September 6 1457 London Rd. Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4

This course is part of Trees Ontario's annual technical workshop series, including educational programs on Seed Forecasting, Seed Collection and Growing Native Trees from Seed. Few spots remain and pre-registration is required.