The goals of our ecological stewardship program at ruthven park…

  • Study

    To develop a greater understanding of the interdependence between humans and nature through our own and partnered ecological research projects.

  • Protect

    To preserve native species and their biological communities through our ongoing conservation efforts.

  • Educate

    To enlighten guests to the wonder of our natural environment and the importance of the biodiversity within and beyond Ruthven Park.

“understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment."

-Sir David Attenborough

Current ecological stewardship projects: 

  • Bird banding 

  • Wetland studies 

  • Invasive species removal 

  • Tree surveys  

  • Habitat restoration 

  • Species census collection

Species of the Month

September’s article written by Nick Nagtegaal, Co-Op Student - Hamilton District Christian High School

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

As leaves start to change colour soon, you will notice the red colour that the Northern Red Oak displays in the Fall. The Northern Red Oak is native to central and eastern North America. Northern red Oak trees like to grow in sunny areas with well-drained, but moist soil. The Northern Red Oak tree is a common landscaping tree due to its colourful leaves in the fall and its fast growth rate. The wood is also used by woodworkers to create furniture, flooring and cabinetry that will last generations, due to its hardy properties.

Northern Red Oaks are not only used by humans, but many other species. Northern Red Oaks provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for many species. Species like deer and rabbits feast on the leaves. Squirrels and many species of birds eat the acorns, which are the fruit produced by the tree. Turkeys, various birds, and raccoons find nesting and shelter within the tree. The Northern Red oak is a tree that provides for and sustains habitats. Their acorns are used by species as a food source for the winter. They gather them in the fall and store them for when food sources are scarce.

Northern Red Oak trees grow fairly quickly, which is why they are a common pik for landscaping. They generally grow around 2ft per year. As a reference, most trees planted in sunny conditions grow to around 15-20ft after 10 years. Northern Red Oak trees can live for up to 400 years. When they grow in confined spaces they grow taller and have a trunk around 40 inches wide. When they grow in the open they can grow up to 6 ft in diameter.