The ‘Great Red Oak’ inspires awe in all who are in its presence, and is of significance to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as what may be Toronto’s oldest tree (300+ years old), located on the historical Carrying Place Trail along the Humber River. Edith George and Forests Ontario have been advocating for the protection of the tree for two decades. The tree was designated a Heritage Toronto Tree with a plaque unveiling in fall, 2019 (see short film here), and is being considered as a heritage tree of provincial and national significance. Thanks to the efforts of Edith and the local community, tree not-for-profits, and the City of Toronto, this advocacy resulted in the decision by the City to purchase the property, to turn it into a parkette and protect the tree for years to come.

(Sheila has supported Edith’s work in various ways, including having her Ryerson University (renaming underway) School of Urban and Regional Planning graduate students explore the idea of an interactive tree story map inspired by the red oak for the Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority.).