For those asking...

The trees were ordered from Ferguson Forest Centre

The trees are here!

This Saturday, May 14th, at 347 Richmond Road in Westboro, 10/10/10/Ottawa organizers and giving out 350 free Black Walnut saplings and vegetable and herb seeds. There is also a plant sale going on, so come out and get going on that sustainable garden!

We'll be set up from 9am to early afternoon or until supplies run out. See you then, rain or shine.

Planting your black walnut sapling

We've put together a set of instructions for planting you black walnut sapling:

1. Find a sunny, not-too-windy spot for your new juglans nigra tree to call home.
2. Dig a hole a few inches deeper than the sack your tree came in.
3. Place entire sack (with the tree in it!) in the hole. Untie or cut the top of the sack (If you see a thick spot just above the roots, it is a good indicator of exactly how high the soil should reach: right to the top of that thick part.) The sack will protect the young tree from grass & weeds, and will biodegrade after one year.
4. Leave soil loose when planting. We've added peat moss to the mixture of black earth in the sack to help drainage. (Don't pack down the dirt around the roots!)
5. Mulch around the tree soon after planting to protect the roots (Use 2" of bark chips, leaves, or straw.)
6. Water your tree if the soil and/or mulch around it is dry, or if there is a drought.
7. Do not fertilize during the first year, it will damage the tree's young roots!

More information:

• Plant your tree as soon as possible (ie. this weekend). There are no leaves, and the trees are just beginning to bud, which means the trees are dormant, and most tolerant of transplanting right now. However, your tree has been subjected to stress from moving from the nursery to our backyard, and now to yours. Do it a favour, and give it a permanent home!
• The ideal pH level of the soil is between 6.5 and 7.2, lime may be added to raise pH if necessary.
• Mulching a wide space around the tree's roots ensures that more nutrients get to the tree.
• Black walnut trees emit a natural chemical called juglone from their roots. It is toxic to some other plants, including: potato, tomato, apple, and lilac. A longer list is available here.
• Black walnut trees can live for 200 years. They won't produce nuts until they reach at least 10 years, and will yield the best crops after 30 years.

Further resources:

• Planting Black Walnut in Southern Ontario
• Natural Resources Canada Information
• Planting and Caring for Nut Trees [PDF Download]
• About.com Information

 

Itinerary for 10/10/10 Ottawa

On 10/10/10 from 2:00 to 5:00pm, meet us at the First United Church at 347 Richmond Road:

• Check out exhibits prepared by local groups. Learn to calculate your carbon footprint, find your MP, or find resources about grants available to Canadians who are improving their home's energy efficiency.
• You can make a pledge to reduce your carbon footprint so you can earn one of 350 black walnut tree saplings, to be distributed in Spring 2011. 
• We'll be running fun activities, and we're collaborating with the community to create a model vision of a sustainable Ottawa out of recycled materials.
• We'll also be offering hot coffee for a cool Fall day.
• Don't forget to check out some of the presentations happening throughout the afternoon!

Itinerary for Presentations
2:00 to 2:15 Welcome! Meet us in front of the First United Church at 347 Richmond Rd.
2:15 to 2:25 Clive Doucet will address guests and answer questions in front of the church
2:30 to 3:00 Climate Justice Ottawa, an Ottawa University student group, will be running a fun activity in the auditorium
3:10 to 3:45 Daniel T'seleie of Climate Action Network Canada will speak about the effect climate change is already having on Canadians in the North (auditorium)
3:45 to 4:00 Charlie Taylor will address guests and answer questions (auditorium)
4:00 to 5:00 Live music by Audiocassettetape, followed by warm farewells and thanks.

Please join us on 10/10/10, we would love to see you!

UPDATE: We regret to announce that Mr. Jim Watson has had to cancel his appearance, due to a prior engagement with family. Thanksgiving Sunday is a big day for families, so we thank him for trying to make it out. 

The details!

When and Where!

We're thrilled to announce the time and location of our 10/10/10 event:

2:00pm to 5:00pm

First United Church
347 Richmond Road, Ottawa

Come have a coffee, learn a little, and make a pledge to reduce your carbon footprint! We'll be giving away up to 350 Black Walnut tree saplings in Spring 2011 to Ottawa residents who do so!

Speakers include mayoral candidates Clive Doucet and Charlie Taylor on environmental sustainability in Ottawa.

We're also hosting Daniel T'seleie from Climate Action Network Canada, who will discuss the impact climate change is already having on Canadians in the North.

One Change, Greenpeace, and Climate Justice Ottawa will also have representatives present. We'll have great information resources, fun activities, and live music at the end of it all.

Come out and show your commitment to a green Ottawa!

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Submit your pledge and get a tree in Spring 2010

We're calling on Ottawa residents to make a promise: do something in 2010-2011 to reduce your carbon footprint.

Submit your pledge to 1010ottawa@gmail.com. Get creative! Send us a photo, painting, drawing, or creative writing piece. We're building a mosaic to showcase Ottawa's commitment to reducing Co2.

Be sure to give us some contact info when you do, because we'll be giving away black walnut tree saplings to those who pledge. The trees will be awarded in Spring 2011, along with some helpful instructions on how to plant and nurture them.

Not sure what you can do to reduce your Co2 emissions? We have some ideas for you! There's something for everyone.

• Hang laundry instead of using the machine to dry when possible
• Replace the rest of your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs
• Eat less meat
• Buy local!
• Buy second hand
• Install solar panels on your home or cottage
• Start a veggie garden, or a community garden
• Grow your own herbs in your windowsill
• Take the bus, bike, walk, or start a carpool
• Start a recycling program at your place of work
• Write your MP monthly to pressure them to tackle climate change issues
• Buy green cleaning products and cosmetics
• Stop eating fast food
• Check your tire pressure monthly to increase fuel mileage
• Use the "tuna can" rule when you water your lawn. (One inch of water or less, per week.)
• Think before adjusting your thermostat—can you take off a layer? Can you put on a sweater?
• Always vote with your wallet—think before you buy. Buy responsible products from responsible companies.


There are many more ways to reduce your impact on the Earth. Feel free to submit something completely different!