The tradition of harvesting hardwood cuttings from the forests of Lemoine Point was revived by 11 volunteers from the Friends of Lemoine Point Native Plant Nursery on a cool morning in mid-February. Rick Knapton, Forestry Coodinator, from Cataraqui Conservation was kind enough to identify and mark 13 donor trees a few days before the event.
Material for cuttings was removed from the trees (with sharp, sterile loppers and humble appreciation) and then prepared for planting at the Cataraqui Conservation workshop. The still-dormant cuttings will be kept in refrigerated storage until later this spring when they will be planted in growing medium and brought out of dormancy.
To learn more about the Friends of Lemoine Point or how to become a member or volunteer visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/friends-lemoine-point
Photos (left to right): Canada plum, marked for species cutting. The 2023 hardwood cutting harvest team.