When Nature Canada launched our Hug-a-Tree contest this past fall, we never dreamed we would meet a tree-hugger like Edith George.Edith became passionate about trees at an early age. As a child, she spent her summers on her grandfather’s farm and recalls crying the first time she chopped down her own Christmas tree. So when a neighbour approached her a few years ago for help saving a red oak tree in her yard, she knew she had to do something.This was the beginning of Edith’s long and passionate journey to educate Canadians about the importance of heritage trees. A lifetime resident of Toronto, Edith began researching this special neighbourhood tree and found that it has a long history as part of the natural and cultural fabric of her community.This great red oak is an indigenous species to the Humber River Watershed and was once part of the historic Carrying Place Trail, a former native portage route. It now stands as one of Canada’s oldest and largest red oak trees at 25 meters tall and over 250 years old.

The term heritage tree is used to describe a tree like this one which is not only grand in size and form but is also associated with a rich historical and cultural history. Edith says these trees are survivors who stand to inspire us all.

Edith now travels around Ontario to speak to community groups about the importance of trees like this one. She uses the example of the great red oak to explain why heritage trees should be protected and how a toolkit designed by the Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance can be used to determine if a tree should receive a heritage designation. She has delivered her presentation 37 times and says her true sign of success comes when her participants tell her that they think of trees differently following her presentation.

Nature Canada is pleased that Edith won the grand prize in our Hug-a-Tree contest and we look forward to hearing more about her adventures in the future!