About Trees Count

EH has completed Trees Count inventories in six Hamilton neighbourhoods since the summer of 2003 using the Neighbourwoods methodology that allows volunteers to collect reliable information about the trees in their community. Inventories have been completed in Westdale, Kirkendall, Strathcona, Delta West, North End and most recently in Dundas. The summer projects each have produced a comprehensive report that describes the health and diversity of the community's urban forest and provides practical guidance for measures to protect and enhance it. The projects frequently foster community tree committees, such as the Dundas Valley Tree Keepers, that become the stewards of local forests.

 Dundas Trees Count Too

2008 marks Environment Hamilton’s second summer of work in Dundas for the Neighbourwoods Trees Count Project. This year’s project, entitled “Dundas Trees Count Too,” is focused on surveying the area from Little John Road to South Street, and Tweedsmuir to Lynden. The project assesses the health of the urban forest. Data collected is sent away to the University of Toronto for analysis, resulting in a cumulative report at the end of the year.


Volunteers are the backbone of Dundas Trees Count Too, and they have enabled the project to move forward at a great pace, despite weather condition setbacks. On Tuesday, August 26, we will be holding a volunteer appreciation night. Sean Fox, Assistant Manager at the Aboretum in Guelph University, will be giving a presentation on the "Rare Trees and Shrubs of Ontario."


Among the more common trees, Dundas Trees Count Too has still been able to locate some rare beauties. A 27-meter tall Cucumber Magnolia was found in the backyard of William Osler’s old estate along South Street. The Cucumber Magnolia is the only magnolia tree that is native to Canada. It is the northernmost species of the Magnolia family and is currently on the endangered species list.


As Dundas Trees Count Too progresses, we hope to encounter more new and enthralling trees. There are currently two inventory sessions held each day from Tuesday to Saturday at 10am-12pm, and 6pm-8pm. Any person interested in hearing more about Dundas Tree Count Too is encouraged to come to the Cactus Festival on Saturday, August 16. Last year’s results and report will be available at that time, and any findings from this summer will be explained in a cumulative report at the end of the year, open for public viewing.