New director glad to see cemetery trees pruned

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This article was published 30/09/2014 (4319 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wayne Rogers is thrilled to find a way to involve himself with Friends of Elmwood Cemetery.

The former Variety Manitoba executive director retired in January, and opted to take on a similar role with the group after sitting on the board for eight years. Rogers was glad to take over the role from Bob Filuk, especially as several family members, including his mother and grandparents, are buried on-site.

Rogers, 66, will enjoy the fruits of the third annual Day of Service by the International Society of Arboriculture Prairie Chapter on Oct. 11. About 30 arborists representing the organization’s nine member companies will come to the cemetery to prune Elmwood’s elm trees to help slow the spread of Dutch Elm Disease in the area. The work will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap at 4 p.m.

Rogers commended all participants for their work, and said they do put on a show of sorts for people who choose to come out, as climbers traverse the trees to treat them effectively.

“It’s just so generous and so heartfelt what they’re doing,” Rogers, a River Heights resident, said. “They’re encouraging people to come and watch, come for a visit on the day of, and just observe and see what kind of magic they do.

“It’s wonderful to see.”

Matt Vinet, the ISA chapter director, explained he had the idea years back when he noticed elm trees in the neighbourhood were being treated to help stop the spread of the disease, but those in the cemetery — one of the largest clusters — was unattended-to.

“This was identified as a hotspot years ago,” Vinet said. “I couldn’t stand it anymore.
“We just can’t let these trees disappear one at a time.”

Vinet said the spread of the disease will never be eliminated, but fewer trees have needed to be removed in each year of the group’s efforts — which is encouragement that the tide is starting to turn.

Jesse Antonation, a three-time participant at the ISA International Tree Climbing Championships, will highlight the best of what Vinet calls a select field.

“We don’t have every person who cuts trees in Winnipeg here,” Vinet, 52, said. “They’re really the best of the best arborists in Winnipeg.

Rogers said as he continues to settle into the role, he hopes to further connections with the community, building on the momentum events like the Day of Service and the North East Winnipeg Historical Society tour held earlier this summer.

Those looking to donate to care of the elm trees can do so at the event.

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