Weather permitting, the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed will hold a wood ash collection drive on Saturday, March 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please bring your COLD, clean ash to the Rosewarne Transfer station in Bracebridge, located at 1062 Rosewarne Drive.
After their March 15 collection day, their next collection date is Saturday, April 11, Earth Day. If they have to cancel or reduce hours, they’ll post about it on their Facebook page.
Why are Friends of the Muskoka Watershed collecting wood ash?
Early studies show that adding wood ash to our forests can strengthen and improve our trees, which could impact climate change and seasonal flooding. The calcium in wood ash is a natural way to replenish the calcium lost over decades of exposure to acid rain.
They are working with Citizen Scientists to learn even more about the benefits of wood ash. The donated ash has been filtered and mixed to create kits to expand the reach of their research across Muskoka.
Can I spread my wood ash on my own property? Here’s a tip from Friends of the Muskoka Watershed:
While we would prefer you to store the ash for us, some of you choose to put it on your own property. If so, there are some things you need to watch out for.
• First, only use cold, dry ash. Allow the ash to cool for several days. Hot ash is a real fire risk to homes, properties, and forests.
• Clean ash is required, so only burn clean wood. Avoid pressure-treated wood, plastics, construction waste, or wood treated with paint, glue, insecticide, etc. Remove any staples or nails ahead of time and strain or rake your ash for metals before spreading.
• Through our research we’ve determined a ratio that we believe works best for our Muskoka forests. Spread one 750 ml yogurt container full of ash per one square metre. It is recommended that you wear gloves, long pants, and a mask when spreading ash.
• Wood ash only needs to be applied once to replace the 50 years of calcium depletion due to acid rain. If you have more ash, spread it in a different area next time. Spread it in an area not frequented by people and pets.
• Please avoid lakes, wetlands, and steep grades heading toward the water when spreading your ash.
And if you are adding it to your property, let us know. Tag us on social media or email [email protected]
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