The Great Trees of New Brunswick (2nd Edition)
Book Review by James M. Fisher
The Great Trees of New Brunswick (2nd Edition) has just been published by New Brunswick’s own Goose Lane Editions and it has a direct connection to the Miramichi: one of its co-authors, Tracy Glynn, grew up in the Miramichi area and currently lives in Fredericton where she teaches at UNB and St. Thomas University.
Her early environment had a definite influence on her. Tracy states: “My love and desire to protect nature developed at an early age due to growing up on a small farm surrounded by the forest and wildlife.”
Besides her teaching responsibilities, Tracy was also the forest campaigner for the Conservation Council of New Brunswick from 2006 to 2018.
If anyone is familiar with New Brunswick and its huge and diversified tree population, it’s Tracy.
When the other co-author, David Palmer approached the Conservation Council about creating a second edition of the book, Tracy “jumped at the opportunity.”
Tracy recalls: “I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the trees of New Brunswick.”
The resulting 260+ page book is both a field guide, reference book and gift book all-in-one. It is full of beautiful photographs by Arielle DeMerchant, and it includes a map of the province showing where the trees are located, and why the particular tree is a fine specimen of its kind.
One tree that will be familiar to many in the Miramichi area is the Millerton Basswood (pictured).
At 21.5 meters (approx. 70ft.), it towers over the house it stands in front of. Each tree specimen is discussed as to its defining features, habitat and range, uses and outlook as to its future as well as its susceptibility to insects and disease.
The Millerton Basswood is one of the trees featured in the book. Photo by Arielle DeMerchant.
Does Tracy have a favourite tree?
She does, but it’s not one in the book: “My favourite tree in the Miramichi area is an eastern white pine found on the road where I grew up in Weldfield. It’s not one of the greatest white pines found in the book but it’s very special to me. My siblings, cousins and the neighbours’ kids would often race to the tree and we would pick berries around the tree. The sun setting behind the tree is a beautiful sight that still makes me stop in awe.”
The Great Trees of New Brunswick (2nd Edition) can be purchased locally at Mill Cove Coffee in downtown Newcastle.
They have a good selection of books to peruse as you enjoy a hot or cold drink and a treat.
James M. Fisher reviews books for his blog, The Miramichi Reader. It can be found at www.MiramichiReader.ca
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