With the longer days of February, activity in High Park is gearing up for spring. Specifically, Urban Forestry is removing large invasive trees. This initiative is part of the City’s Urban Forestry’s Natural Area Management program for the restoration of High Park. From early February, the felling continues over the next five weeks, depending on weather.
Woody invasive species management is implemented by trained staff and volunteers. A majority of focus is on Woodland and Savannah sites that have rare species and high quality understories that are at risk of being outcompeted by various invasive species.
Woody invasive management is performed over the winter months in preparation for the annual spring burn and spring/fall plantings, with the overarching goal of increasing biodiversity and enhancing ecological function. Additionally, invasive species management efforts aim to minimize damage to the ecosystem caused by various invasive species, not to eradicate these species.
Herbicide warning signs will be posted 24 hours prior to herbicide treatment and signs will be removed 48 hours after treatment. If you see the signage, you should remain on trails.
The signs have additional information about the invasive species being managed and a phone number for any public enquiries.
Any tree removal work will be followed by a native tree and shrub planting in Spring and Fall 2023.
