Gillies Grove

Our Presenter:

Owen Clarkin grew up near Russell Ontario, and has been studying the trees of Eastern Ontario as a dedicated amateur from an early age. He has a formal background in the natural sciences and is Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club.

The Presentation:

We live in a rapidly-changing natural environment.  Among life-forms, trees often give an impression of dynamic stability due to their potential for relatively long lives, and static appearance once mature.  However, observations on the ground indicate that the treed landscape of eastern Ontario and wider North America is changing rapidly. This is due to many factors including higher mortality of and indifference to indigenous species, changes in habitat, and the unprecedented large-scale introduction of alien trees and pests.  Mr. Clarkin will discuss the history of trees in our region, present-day observations, and trends to consider as we look to the future.

Biography:

Owen Clarkin grew up near Russell Ontario, and has been studying the trees of Eastern Ontario as a dedicated amateur since the age of 4. After finishing a conventional education in the natural sciences, he has been more seriously exploring topics in tree ecology from an Eastern Ontario perspective, together with a core group of colleagues. He is Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club.