Less bark, more bite? By: Photos by Mikaela MacKenzie Posted: 2:42 PM CST Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 Last Modified: 3:51 PM CST Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 Updates

It started out as something quirky, a bit like hide-and-seek in the Bois des Esprits forest.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

It started out as something quirky, a bit like hide-and-seek in the Bois des Esprits forest.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/11/2025 (332 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It started out as something quirky, a bit like hide-and-seek in the Bois des Esprits forest.

First came Woody, a large mythical troll-like carving in the trunk of a diseased tree marked for removal, off of the main trail. Several years later, another carver came forward requesting permission to produce a series of smaller carvings on dead trees and branches tucked away in the forest that hugs the Seine River in south Winnipeg. They were hidden gems to be found by the sharp-eyed walker.

But since 2020, there’s been a significant uptick in unauthorized carvings, including on living trees, often accompanied by small dedication plaques and in much more visible locations. Nearby Royalwood residents have raised concerns about the proliferation and the disruption to the natural setting.

Although there is no formal policy, the city continues to receive requests to allow carvings in both Bois des Esprits and other parks.

As a result, the city’s community services committee may consider introducing restrictions at its meeting next week.

The public service branch has made a range of recommendations— from an outright ban, to only allowing special community projects such as the Woody carving, or a continuation of existing guidelines on a limited basis.

In the latter case, carvers must demonstrate an ability to produce a professional-looking design, can only work on dead wood and with the location and the image pre-approved. The design must be nature- or forest-related and not include any symbol, text or messages. No new dedication plaques would be allowed and carvings would only be considered in Bois des Esprits and not other City of Winnipeg parks.

William Mulder (eight) and his dad, Doug Mulder, check out carvings in the trees. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)

Brian (left) and Ken walk past carvings in the trees along the Bois des Esprits trail. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)

Mikaela MacKenzie
Photojournalist

Mikaela MacKenzie loves meeting people, experiencing new things, and learning something every day. That's what drove her to pursue a career as a visual journalist — photographers get a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground look at the world.

Read full biography

Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.

Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.