Midwinter woodpiles are diminishing throughout Muskoka as the sweet smell of smoke rises from fireplaces and wood stoves. Did you know that your accumulating ashes could be put to use to improve tree health?

Through the ASHMuskoka program, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and independent assessments, including work with Trent University, have confirmed the benefits of applying calcium rich fireplace and wood ash to replenish declining calcium levels – lost to decades of acid rain. The result is healthier trees that grow faster and more resistant to both disease and blow down during storms.

FOTMW is now studying how ash can positively impact a tree’s carbon capture – and climate change! Just one dose, replaces all the calcium lost to decades of acid rain. And to clarify, that’s not one dose per year but one dose – ever. Their research shows that there is a prescription for this dosage. One 750 gm yogurt type container is enough to restore one square metre of forest.

If you have cold clean ashes to donate, be sure to mark the following dates on your calenendar:  February 15th,  March 15th and April 26th. 

To find out more, volunteer or sign up for ongoing updates check out Friends of the Muskoka Watershed website or friends@fotmw.org or drop by to see volunteers in action at the Bracebridge Landfill Site/Transfer station from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1062 Rosewarne Drive in Bracebridge. Dates are weather dependent so signing up keeps you in this important community loop!

As an important aside, two of our clients suggest adding nutrients to your garden by digging in a few cold ashes (thanks Rob!), and another recommends adding them to your compost (thanks Margaret!).

Have a question about living and cottaging in Muskoka and Kawartha Lakes or want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter? Please send a note to susan@markbenson.ca or check us out at www.markbenson.ca.

Have a question about living and cottaging in Muskoka? Please send it along to susan@markbenson.ca

Mark & Susan Benson copyright February 2025