Native Species Database

All posts in Forestry

Home / Forestry

The Dirt on Alberta’s Worm Invasion

May 15, 2022 , ,

Author: Maria Votsis

My first ever introduction to worms was pure terror. I had never seen these smooth, flexible, leggless creatures, and all of a sudden my Godmother places a handful of VERY large worms on my coat. As I screamed to get away from this interaction, I later found out how helpful they are in Southwestern Ontario soil. Worms are able to help speed up decomposition and produce very healthy soil in the process from their excrement. It was only when I looked at worms in other locations that I was able to see the harm of their endeavors. Alberta for example has an ecosystem that would be able to thrive highly without them. Now, let’s dig deeper together as to why…

Read This Story

Check Your Trees: Are They Knotty?

February 7, 2022 ,

By: Ash Davidson

Ever walked through the river valley, or took a stroll around your neighbourhood, and noticed black growths on some trees? You’re likely seeing black knot (Apiosporina morbosa). Black knot is a fungal disease that targets plant species in the genus Prunus. The most noticeable characteristic of black knot is the mature, black swellings on branches. During the summer months, when temperatures are high and rain is falling, an incredible amount of spores are released and are spread by animals, wind, or rain. It takes approximately 2-3 years for the fungus to reach the mature stage. If left unchecked, the fungus will eventually kill the host tree, so early management and control is necessary.

Read This Story

Peek A Boo, I See You Wild Mushrooms

February 4, 2022 ,

By: Maria Votsis

Exploring nature in the spring and autumn months can be so exciting due to the possibilities of wild mushrooms emerging from the ground. The vast amount of colours, shapes and sizes is astonishing and fun to observe when noticed. This post will highlight some interesting mushrooms that are located in Alberta, which can be found and observed – but are not for eating! The sneaky thing about wild mushrooms is that they can look very similar to other mushrooms that may be poisonous, so remember never eat a mushroom that you cannot positively identify.

Read This Story

Field Days

October 6, 2021 , , ,

By: Bob Underschultz

The uplifting fragrance of spruce and pine, the gentle applause of aspen in the wind, the musical chorus of wildlife; these are the joys of treed landscapes. Walking the land and taking in the wonderful sights and sounds of forested areas is a favourite pastime of many proud landowners. It’s a favourite activity of the AWES team as well.

Read This Story

Green on Green, and Other Reasons why you Cannot Find your Seedlings.

August 9, 2021 , , , , ,

Hello, I’m Megan Andre, Executive Director with AWES.

Joining AWES just last summer, I’ve been around for about one year. It’s been a whirlwind coming up to speed with quite a few large projects in flight. Navigating this transition however, left planting season 2021 to fall into familiar habits. For me, that means riparian restoration planting. This style of planting has similarities to AWES signature Eco-Buffers, including increasing biodiversity by planting native tree and shrub at a high density. However, the structure and preparation of the linear Eco-Buffer are lost, and so are the trees… at least this is what we are hearing.

Read This Story

Agroforestry & Woodlot Extension Society


17507 Fort Road
Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3

Email: info@awes-ab.ca

Copyright © 2024 Agroforestry & Woodlot Extension Society. All rights reserved. Grande Prairie Web Design by nine10 Incorporated