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History of the Tree Committee

Mandate  |  History  |  Tree Programs  |  Tree Inventory

• In 1988, James Plant, as a member of the Board of Directors of the ROGC, made a proposal for a long-term plan for tree planting and maintenance. He was nominated as Chair of the "Long Range Tree Committee" and has continued as Chairman for 18 years to preserve our heritage of many of the original trees on the course and organize the planting of many new species. In 1992, the name of the Long Range Tree Committee was changed to the "Tree Committee"
• It was Jim Plant's foresight that has continued to make The Royal Ottawa strive toward an arboretum status of aesthetic beauty with trees for strategic golf play.
• Albany Moore, also a member of the board at the time, joined as a charter member and Vice Chairman. He was instrumental in drawing up a statement of operations and set the objectives, thus establishing the foundation of the committee.
• Dr. Ralph McKendry, a retired physician of international fame, was also a tree expert, especially nut trees. He was involved in experimentation with the Nut Growers Association of Ontario, and indeed, served as president organization. In 1989 he joined the Tree Committee as a charter member. At his suggestion a "donor tree program" was initiated in 1991. After his death in 1999, a Black Walnut tree was planted in his memory, located on No. 3 hole, Royal Nine, near the green, in recognition of his outstanding contribution and guidance.
• Cmdr. C Herbert Little, also joined the Tree Committee as a Charter Member. He was a man of many talents and his history would fill volumes, including Rhodes scholar, and vital intelligence while with the Canadian Navy. His addition to the committee was enormous. Every year he was the one who made wooden signs and hung more than 100 of them on trees indicating their species, for the information and enjoyment of members. He also prepared informative articles for the newsletter. After his death in 2004, a Beech tree was planted in his memory, in grateful recognition of a man whose understanding and knowledge of flora and fauna was truly invaluable. The location of the tree is on No. 7 fairway, Main Course, just below No.6 tee. It is significant to note that Cmdr. Little planted the first tree in the program in memory of his late wife. The tree is an American Beech, located next to the tree commemorating Cmdr. Little.
• Dr. John Valberg is a keen and strategic member as he acts as the liaison between the Tree Committee and the Greens Committee recording and advising pertinent information. He also heads and correlates data for the Tree Committee input for the ROGC website.
• Doug Wurtele, our newest member, is acting secretary and liaison with Joyel Singfield in the Club Office.
• Catherine Andrews, ROGC horticulturist, has been an invaluable member of the committee, almost since its inception. Her vast knowledge and position, makes her the heart and soul of the Tree Committee, as many of the activities revolve around her. Close association with Steve Verall, Course Superintendent, provides her with information vital to the actual work and planning of the committee. She is often working around or near the Club House thus making her a person of information to enquiring members.

• In 1995, Mary Angelene Stevens, in her will, provided a bequest of $25,000.00, the interest to be used for the Tree Program. In her honor, Flora Baptist and The Tree Committee planted an Apple tree, east of the 14th tee, between the 14th and Royal Nine fairways.

• In 1963, H.L. Crissinger, Course Superintendent recorded an inventory of 1710 trees, 1149 were deciduous and 561 conifers
• 25 years later Cmdr. Little recorded only 778 deciduous trees remained. Almost all of the 442 American elm trees had died of Dutch Elm disease.
• In 1988, Cmdr Little updated H.L. Crissinger's records of all the species on the course. He had signs made for many species, hung on branches, replaced yearly, to identify over 100 trees for members.
• Palle Kiar initiated and coordinated the signs attached to the donor trees as well as the signage of the largest Butternut tree in the world.
• To date 41 trees have been planted, most in memory of past and present members of the Club and some as gifts to the club for the 100th year celebration of the ROGC.

• Steve Verrall, Course Superintendent and Catherine Andrews, horticulturalist, provide the care and pruning of all the trees, shrubs and plants as well as the planting of new species.
• A tree nursery initiated on the property provided many new species for several years.
• Catherine Andrews and John Valberg are establishing a computerized database with GPS locations of individual trees. The database will provide ready access to information on donated trees in the Tree Program. Maintenance, future planting and pest control will be monitored from the history available on individual trees as well as various species of trees on the course.