Starting this year, all trees nominated by the community are celebrated as Trees of the Year. On this page you will find descriptions and photos of all the nominated trees. Watch for a blog post that will give you suggested route maps to visit these special trees.
Please respect the privacy of property owners and unless specifically invited onto the property, view the tree from public property (road, sidewalk, or boulevard).
Points to note about the descriptions here:
- The trees are numbered in the order in which the nominations were received. They are not ranked.
- Quoted text was supplied by the nominators, and other details were added by the TOTY Committee.
- Photos were supplied by the nominators unless otherwise noted.
- Diameter of the trunk at breast height (meaning at 1.3 m above ground level) is denoted by DBH.
- Click a photo to enlarge it.
Index
- Western white pine – along Idiens trail network
- Bigleaf maple – Bear Creek Park
- Flowering cherry – Cumberland Rd. and 14th St., Courtenay
- Grand fir – Hawk Greenway
- Arbutus – 1726 Robb Ave., Comox
- Garry oak – Topland Rd., Courtenay
- Douglas-fir – Lake Trail Disc Golf Course
- English walnut – 1770 Comox Ave., Comox
- Western redcedar – One Spot Trail
- Douglas-fir – 368 – 12 St., Courtenay
- Sitka spruce – Mack Laing Nature Park, Comox
- Western redcedar – Dyke Rd. Park South
- Douglas-fir – Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve
- Western redcedar – Royston to Cumberland Railway Trail
- Douglas-fir – Royston to Cumberland Railway Trail
- Garry oak – Vanier Secondary School
- Bigleaf maple – 1428 Noel St., Comox
- Bigleaf maple – Seal Bay Park
- Sitka spruce – Seal Bay Park
- Weeping sequoia – 301 Carmanah Dr., Courtenay
- Bigleaf maple – Union Bay
- Douglas-fir – Beaufort Ave. and Stewart St., Comox
- Garry oak – 950 Braidwood Rd., Courtenay
- Bigleaf maple – North Island College
- Douglas-fir – Stewart St., Comox, between Birch St. and Cypress St.
- Douglas-fir – south side of Anderton Park, Comox
- Douglas-fir – behind Gas ‘n’ Go, 3080 Comox Rd.
1. Western white pine (Pinus monticola)
Location: In Courtenay, on the well-travelled Idiens trail network in Courtenay closest to the Inverclyde Way and McDonald Rd. trail entrance and at the end of the straight stretch before the 90-degree turn heading north (GPS of tree 49.6931612, -124.94445936).
This tree was nominated for Tree of the Year in 2022 by Gerry Krotz, again in 2023 by S.N. and this year by Nels Nielson. Truly a notable tree.
“The large size and premium quality (straight, cylindrical stem) of the tree is impressive for a western white pine. Growing in an area where this species is susceptible to white pine blister rust disease (PDF file), this tree is a testament to not only avoiding the disease, but thriving to such a magnificent size.”
Based on the number of branch whorls, the nominator estimates the tree’s age as 50 years. It is 32 m tall and 78 cm DBH.
Submitted by Nels Nielson.
2. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Location: Bear Creek Nature Park: from parking lot follow the main road for 1km until Fish Information Sign indicates end/start of Chinook trail. Follow Chinook trail for about 50 m to crossroads with Coho trail leading left/north and trail sign. Looking north about 10 m you will see this bigleaf maple (GPS 49.86725, -125.16628) beside Coho Trail standing with hemlocks and a Sitka spruce. On the left side of trail is a meadow planted with young Sitka spruce.
The trunk of this maple is 139 cm DBH and 30 m tall.
“The broad spreading canopy of this tree begins high up with spreading branches almost equal in diameter to the main trunk. An interesting specimen that is uncommon among bigleaf maples as it has maintained a modified central leader while also producing a giant broad crown.”
Submitted by William B.
3. Flowering cherry (Prunus yedoensis ‘Akebono’)
Location: Junction of Cumberland Rd. and 14th St. Courtenay, a triangle boulevard on the west side of the road, next to 1140 – 14th St. (49.68021, -125.00438)
“This tree is a huge flowering cherry! It grows on City of Courtenay land. It is the largest flowering cherry that I know of! I go out of my way to drive by and view as often as possible during bloom.”
The trunk of this tree is 101 cm DBH, 8 m tall with a whopping spread of 18 m that nearly fills the boulevard space. It was previously nominated in 2021 by Cathy R.
Submitted by Leah B. (photo by Cathy R.).
4. Grand fir (Abies grandis)
Location: Hawk Greenway, near parking area at end of Sheraton Road, Courtenay, close to the entrance of Lerwick Nature Park (GPS 49.69077, -124.95565).
“In a forest dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. menziessii), stands the fairest tree of them all (in my opinion), the grand fir. The grand fir is the largest of the Canadian firs and its natural range is restricted to the south coast of BC, including portions of Vancouver Island, and to pockets of the southern interior of BC. This particular tree provides a textbook example of the growth characteristics of the species (slightly tapered stem, with a long cylindrical crown, and a pointed top). While walking the greenspaces in the Comox Valley, I’ve come across many sapling-size grand firs growing underneath Douglas-fir forest types, including here at the Lerwick Nature Park. This tree is the first dominant grand fir that I’ve discovered, and because of its ‘textbook’ growth form I feel it deserves a special nomination for Trees of the Year 2024”.
This tree is 32 m tall and 57 cm DBH.
Submitted by Nels Nielson.
5. Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii)
Location: 1726 Robb Ave., Comox, between the driveway and the metal and wood fence at edge of property and end of driveway. (GPS 49.68006, -124.92359)
“The owners love the tree and are enthusiastic about the nomination. The tree is 11 m high and 27.5 cm DBH. I always admire it and the other arbutus trees in this area on my frequent trips on Robb Ave.”
Submitted by Barbara.
6. Garry oak (Quercus garryana)
Location: In Courtenay on Topland Road, on the west side, between 4942 and 4947 Topland Rd. (GPS 49.71748, -124.99637)
“This tree is a survivor. It has lost a major part of its trunk and yet it still produces acorns. To me this demonstrates the strength and resilience of Garry oaks. This oak is one of a line of trees growing along Topland Road. It is part of a larger population of Garry oaks that is spread out across the neighbouring properties. One property has at least 16 Garry oaks in their yard. The burl that has formed on the base of the trunk of this tree looks like a bear, and some people see faces in the whorls on the bark.”
This tree is 137 cm DBH and 14.5 m tall.
Submitted by Eloise Holland.
7. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: Lake Trail Disc Golf Course, 1970 block of Lake Trail Rd. (GPS 49.679487, -125.014846). A nice route to find the tree is through the east parking lot of Lake Trail Community School where 5th St. meets Willemar. Walk or cycle west along the back of the school at the top of the hill to the far east corner of the disc golf course to find the tree at a tee at the top of the creek bank and directly behind the Lake Trail Thrift Store. Roy Morrison Creek Park is tree heaven.
“This large Douglas-fir in the City of Courtenay is 100 to 150 years old, 128 cm DBH, 45 m in height, and has hefty buttress roots anchoring it to the steep bankside of the Arden Creek. The roots are connected to other large Douglas-fir trees providing support to the banks of the creek. This fragment of old forest is a special place, and people enjoy playing disc golf or just going for a walk around the trails under the canopy.
This tree survived times when a flume was built in 1873 for a fast flow of water to power a sawmill situated near the current Shoppers Drug Mart on 8th Street, and through the 1920s when people practiced selective logging using horses and dynamite! The Morrison family were a big part of this history as they farmed these lands and later donated into a trust the area called the Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park.
My purpose for nominating this tree is because I wish for old trees like this in the city to be protected, along with the protected species: arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific (western) yew, western white pine and Pacific dogwood.”
Submitted by Shirley.
8. English walnut (Juglans regia)
Location: 1770 Comox Ave. in Comox, next to the Medicine Shoppe (west corner Comox Ave. and Port Augusta, no building on the lot). It is the fourth tree in the line of walnut trees from Port Augusta and has a #8 Trees of the Year sign. Here is where the Lorne Hotel burned down. It operated from 1878 to 2011, one of the oldest pubs in BC. (GPS of tree 49.67363, -124.92589)
“I often visit these trees when I am in downtown Comox. Here is a quieter, shady place, tucked next to the golf course. I look for the nuts and their outer coats used for dying brown earth tones. One day this winter, I stopped and considered all the various limb wound healing results from years of lowest branches being removed. Some cuts left many inches of unsightly stub. Woundwood could not cover the cuts and rot has hollowed the branch stub at the trunk. The most westerly tree in the line has a cut in line with the branch bark ridge which appears to have healed very well. When I finished my tree contemplation, I was surprised to find a gentleman beside me asking what I was studying so intently. I explained to him the limb removal lessons in this walnut grove. It was fun to compare results with a keen person.”
This walnut is 75 cm DBH and 17.5 m tall.
Notes from the ToTY committee:
- We identified it as an English walnut based on the bark and bud characteristics.
- Download this note about a toxin associated with walnut trees.
Submitted by Teresa.
9. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Location: One Spot Trail, beside Dove Creek Road between Brazier and Bagley. Park at the parking spot on Brazier Rd. where Bob Webb trail goes to Wildwood and One Spot trail goes both east and south. Walk about 5 minutes east on One Spot Trail parallel to Brazier. You will find this tree on your right near the fence, just before the big bend in the trail.
(GPS 49.72528, -125.05694)
“I love that this huge union of trees is a prominent feature along a wonderful non-motorized path for walkers, bikers, and horse riders. Such a surprise to find this huge treasure and to see how it is supporting so much life. The cedar growing from the moisture of the old lichen-covered nurse stump. Intertwined and connected is a western hemlock that seemingly provided wonderful habitat for sapsuckers and other woodpeckers. This is such a lovely bike ride, just 6 km from the start of the One Spot Trail on Condensory Road. A highly recommended route!”
This western redcedar tree is 21 m tall and 100 cm DBH.
A note regarding sapsuckers: Although the sapsuckers feed on a variety of insects and berries, when other food sources are in short supply, they will drill holes through the bark creating a wound which causes sap to collect. The sapsuckers then feed on this sap. The holes only go in far enough to encourage sap to collect or flow and healthy trees grow over or seal these holes rather quickly. Insects and other animals, including hummingbirds, squirrels, porcupines, ants, hornets, and wasps among others are also attracted to this sap food source.
Submitted by Angela Dawson.
10. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: 368 – 12th St, Courtenay, across from Courtenay Dental Health, east of England which is the nearest cross street. (GPS 49.68646, -124.99508)
“This is a magnificent, at-risk, Douglas-fir tree and the only one of stature left in the immediate neighbourhood. Construction has happened on the lot next door and this tree is on the corner of a lot where the house is soon to be demolished. It is a significant landmark, and the drape, dense foliage and stature of the tree are remarkable. I see this tree each day and it is a magnificent sentinel that is witness to another era where forests of this kind predominated in our area where now increasing urban construction is overwhelming nature”.
This tree is 74 cm DBH and 18 m tall.
A note: It appears that the building contractors for the construction next door have been very respectful of this tree. We hope that this tree will be retained and protected in the future.
Submitted by Susan Rambow.
11. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Location: Mack Laing Nature Park. From the closest entrance off end of Comox Ave, go down the hill, cross over the wooden bridge, and walk south a short distance to see the tree on the left of the trail, close to the hillside (GPS 49.67074, -124.91102). Has a Town of Comox tree tag #0853.
“Beautiful old Sitka spruce with perfect shape and health, right next to the trail.”
This is a very large Sitka spruce at 170 cm DBH and 55 m tall in an area of large Sitka spruces. There are two other large Sitka spruces within a short distance that were nominated in 2021 and 2023 for Tree of the Year. The trail that the tree is on was Mack Laing’s driveway.
Submitted by Michael B.
12. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Location: Comox Rd., east and south of the main Dyke Rd. Park and viewing platform, in Dyke Rd. Park South, next pull-out along the water. This tree is near the pilings that are farthest to the west (GPS closest to tree: 49.68094, -124.97294). It is growing on the south side of the west piers out of a bundle of old ropes and steel cable., enjoying the view of the Comox glacier.
This tree was nominated separately by two unconnected people and this is what they said:
Submitted by Jim Whyte:
“Although not large in stature, this cedar tree endures adversity every turn of the tide and season. It appears to grow from a mooring piling in the Courtenay River and the current constantly causes it stress. During the winter storms and freezes it can become submerged. Just how many seasons this little tree can persevere is speculation but, in the meantime, we can draw on its tenacity to life.”
Submitted anonymously:
‘’ Not protected from nada! This tree is special not because it’s big, old, beautiful, gnarly or provides traditional tree character. While swimming over the last 8–9 years, I have watched this amazing living thing brave the king tides, brackish water, and scorching sun that melts the tar out of the supports that it chose to perch upon. It grows in a bundle of old ropes with very little to no soil, hydroponically grown from the nutrients from the Puntledge river and at times is under water, while other times 12 ft above the water depending on the tide! I nominate this tree for its GRIT…and to shine some light on it, as it’s looking a little worse for wear over the last few years and likely has only a few more left. Though trees have proven in many ways to be a great force in nature, growing in all kinds of harsh conditions, I have always been impressed with their ability to do as well as they do in the urban environment and could make sense of it. This little tree by far trumps everything I’ve seen in 23 years of dealing with trees… to self-seed in such a spot and manage as well as it has, I am impressed! It not about where you grow, it’s about growing.”
13. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve (BC Parks), approximately 5 km SW of Courtenay on the north shore of Comox Lake. If you are not familiar with Comox Lake Bluffs ER you may want to read more about it here on the CVN site: https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/nature-viewing-guide/6-comox-lakepuntledge-river-area/comox-lake-bluffs-ecological-reserve/.
Ecological reserves are not created for outdoor recreation, but many are open to the public for non-destructive pursuits like hiking, nature observation and photography. Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve was established in 1996 to protect the unusual dry-site plant communities in the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone. Consumptive uses, bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited, as are fires.
Park at the very unobtrusive second pull-out parking area on the left on Comox Lake Mainline after crossing the bridge where Comox Lake flows into the Puntledge River (GPS of parking area 49.641380, -125.104254). Follow the trail to the first sign with info about the ecological reserve. Continue on the trail to the right until you meet the creek drainage area. The tree is across the creek and down near where the creek flows into the bay on the lake. Unfortunately, there is no bridge and no well-defined path across the drainage area so find the best crossing you can and follow the creek down to where it flows into the lake and you will likely be able to spot this massive fir that is 55 m tall and 226 cm in diameter. (GPS of the tree 49.63887, -125.10839).
“Massive old growth tree—one of few remaining in the Comox Valley. I know this tree was nominated in 2023 (Tree #12 nominated by Sarah Vallintine) but I feel that more people need to see these iconic trees that covered the Comox Valley when settlers / loggers arrived. We must not stop visiting and honouring these 500–1000-year-old trees.”
The tree was 55 m tall and 226 cm DBH in 2023.
Submitted on behalf of the Save Our Forest Team (SOFT) .
14. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Location: Royston to Cumberland Railway Trail (https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks-recreation/comox-valley-parks-trails/royston-cumberland-railway-trail): Park at the Trent Road parking area. To the left is a gate—pass around it, follow the wide trail to the right and after 110 m or so take the left narrow trail (Lnyx). Follow for about another 170 m where you will encounter the redcedar (49.63170, -124.95078). Continue on the trail to find Tree #15, walking another 1.7 km to a trail that veers to the right (More Moms). Here there are three Douglas-firs of note. Keep walking straight ahead and veer to the right (Moms Trail) to a single very large Douglas-fir with a twin or double top—Tree #15 Big Momma (49.62447, -124.96060). Complete the loop around, returning to the parking lot. There are several trails which branch off to make the loop as long or short as you want.
“Both the tree [western redcedar] and its environment are worth recognition. A small stream flows at the base of the tree and then cascades down the ravine to Trent River.”
Submitted by Roger C.
15. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: Royston-Cumberland Railway Trail as described above under #14 western redcedar.
“Impressive to have such large firs in near proximity. Local favourite trees and trail.”
Submitted by Roger C.
16. Garry oak (Quercus garryana)
Location: Vanier Secondary School property, behind the school near the automotive shop and in the centre of the Bus Loop (which retains its name from the early days of Vanier when buses picked up students at the back of the school). Starting from the east side of the Sports Centre parking lot pass through the barrier, go left and behind the school along the gym and then onto a gravel patch (about 400 m from the Sports Centre parking lot edge). You will see the tree nestled between the buildings to the southeast of it with its crown towering above the school. (GPS of tree: 49.70980, -124.99787)
““I visit this tree regularly on my walks. I imagine all the years it’s seen of life and the development of that property from farm to army camp to school. It has a memory bench located close by, dedicated to a student and it makes me wonder how many army members and students have left moments and memories there. Some trees see many people come and go, this is one of them. Her crown is so tall and grand she peers over the roof of the whole school and beyond. She reminds me of a ‘mother’ to all the other Garry oaks scattered nearby with not so glorious a fate nor condition. This tree is magnificent (26 m in height and 184 cm DBH).”
A note: If you are entering from the Sport Centre parking lot, you would likely pass a very large Garry oak to your right that was nominated in 2019. This majestic specimen is one of the few Garry oaks remaining after the Sports Centre was constructed and is now surrounded by a small fence. This area possibly has the largest number of Garry oaks on public land in the Valley. That oak was nominated by Annette Boulter, who remembers the tree from years as a student at Vanier Secondary.
CVN and the City of Courtenay will be restoring a Garry oak grove in Vanier Nature Park above the Sports Centre starting in the fall of 2024. https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/vanier-forest-garry-oaks-project/
Submitted by Denise Fredriksen.
17. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Location: 1428 Noel St. in Comox, directly in front of the house (a second bigleaf maple is at the west side of the house). (GPS 49.68208, -124.91010)
“I have admired this tree for years as I take my daily walks. It is a lonely representative of our disappearing urban forest.”
Owners of the property, Linda and Bob Diamond, approve of the nomination and love this tree and their other maple. Although the copious leaf-drop in the fall is challenging, they love the look of the tree and the cool shade it provides the house in summer. “If someone offered to remove this tree for free, I wouldn’t let them do it.” says Bob, with feeling. Many people passing by comment on the beauty and presence of the tree. In fact, two other people, unknown to each other, lined up to nominate this tree this year. The tree stands 19 m tall and 135 cm DBH.
Submitted by Mel McLachlan with support from Verna M. and Bob Hauser.
18. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Location: This tree is in Seal Bay Park. Access the park using the Mitchell Rd. entrance: https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks-recreation/comox-valley-parks-trails/seal-bay-nature-park Turn left onto the Red Alder multi-use trail and continue for 800 m. Turn left onto the In the Shade trail (pedestrian use only). You could lock bikes to the bench where these trails intersect or walk your bike. Continue for approximately 30 m where this tree is on the right. (GPS 49.74910, -124.98390)
“The shape of this tree, with the new growth starting at about a metre from the ground, is very appealing. I call it the ‘Throne Tree’. This form of self-propagation, by sending out new shoots after being cut down to the ground, occurs in many broadleaf trees, but I didn’t realize that it occurred in Big Leaf Maples. It is an amazing and successful means of self preservation and makes me appreciate these unique maples even more. It also recalls the human practice of coppicing, which takes advantage of this natural propensity of certain trees to reproduce in this manner. By cutting certain species to the ground, the subsequent new growth provides an abundant supply of new wood of similar size ie.poles, that were used for fencing, buildings, roads, etc. This practice was used for millennia and is a potent reminder that a harmonious and respectful forest harvest can exist without totally destroying the forest. There is a fascinating chapter on coppicing in pre-Roman Britain, in the book Oak, The Frame of Civilization, by William Bryant Logan, for those who are interested in reading more on the subject.”
The tree is 36 m tall and the largest trunk is 86 cm DBH. As many big leaf maples can be, the trunk of this maple is covered with various mosses.
Submitted by Carol White.
A note: The moss community on this maple was a study site for the team that checked the tree. Interested in mosses? Véronique has it covered here.
19. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Location: In Seal Bay Park, on the In the Shade pedestrian trail. Access the park using the Mitchell Rd. entrance (https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks-recreation/comox-valley-parks-trails/seal-bay-nature-park). Turn left onto the Red Alder multi-use trail and continue for 800 meters. Turn left onto the In the-Shade trail (pedestrian use only). You could lock bikes to the bench where these trails intersect or walk your bike. Continue approximately 90 m to find this tree on the left side of the trail in a wet area. (GPS 49.74847, -124.98648)
“This tree is a bit of a mystery to me. It is impressively large (45 m tall and 134 cm DBH), with the trunk flaring out at ground level. It seems to have thrived in a wet part of the park, away from the high-use trails. There are four or five of these trees along this path, and I have not seen them in other locations within the park. We walk these paths almost every day, and I always stop here to admire this giant and connect with history when I touch the bark.”
Submitted by Carol White.
20. Weeping sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Pendula’)
Location: 301 Carmanah Dr., Courtenay (between 301 and 161), at the front of the property. (GPS 49.71035, -124.97866).
“This tree we lovingly refer to as ‘Wizard Tree’ whenever we are out on a walk. To us, it looks just like Gandalf on a quest! This tree has a large hat, a beard, and two arms. The property owner says that last year at Halloween, kids put two big googly eyes on it making it look like a big monster.”
The tree is 6 m tall and the largest trunk is 36 cm DBH. We noted that sapsuckers have also made use of this tree. (See note on sapsuckers on Tree #9.)
Submitted by Brittney Punter.
21. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Location: Union Bay: Hwy 19A, on the east side, approximately 80 m south of the Hart Washer Creek bridge, across from two stone encased pillars. (GPS 49.58690, -124.88699)
“This iconic old maple tree alongside highway 19A in Union Bay has a most interesting and storied history. It is in the range of 100 years old, having been already a good-sized tree in the time of WWII. In the 1940s and 50s the Union Bay Hall sat right beside this maple, the only sizable tree in the vicinity. During the day it offered shade for picnics and those coming from a swim in the bay. But on Saturday nights the well-attended dances brought the soldiers and folks from all around Vancouver Island to forget their troubles and enjoy the music and company. It is at this time the maple tree became known as the ‘Canoodling Tree’, with many couples turning their attention to romance.
In the 1960s when the hall was moved across the highway to its present location, the maple tree became the prominent feature near the bay. It was in the early 2000s when lengths of ribbon with the purchaser’s name were sold and tied onto the maple’s branches to raise money for the community.
But it was in August of 2012 when the big maple tree in Union Bay, now close to 90 years old, really had its 15 minutes of international fame. A Union Bay resident was interviewed by a CTV reporter under the maple festooned with ribbons about its ‘canoodling’ history. This interview set in motion a CTV news event that went viral being picked up by media as far away as Australia.
Today this old timer (14 m tall and about 100 cm DBH) stands a little scarred, with a few ill-pruned branches awaiting a new incarnation. The present owner and developer has promised the residents of Union Bay that this tree will be saved and eventually incorporated into a small park with it as the centrepiece.”
Submitted by Pam L.
22. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: Corner of Beaufort Avenue and Stewart Street (102 Stewart St.), Comox, at the front and south side of the home. (GPS 49.67118, -124.92000)
“A good example of an urban tree, it marks the corner of three adjacent lots. It also provides shade from the summer sun and the lower branches are high enough that the winter sun shines on our house providing some heat and light.
There was an eagle nest in the tree until December 24, 2021, when a heavy wet snow fall caused it to fall out of the tree. The eagle relocated to Filberg Park and raised two eagles the next year.”
It is 38 m tall and 112 cm DBH.
Submitted by Bob Hauser.
23. Garry oak (Quercus garryana)
Location: 950 Braidwood Rd., Courtenay, at the front on the boulevard. (GPS 49.70114, -124.98769
“There are 4–5 surviving Garry oaks along the street with one taken down in February. Three of these oaks are on the now vacant lot opposite which has just been sold to BC Housing for supportive housing development.”
This gorgeous oak is 16 m in height, with a spread easily double that, and 111 cm DBH.
Submitted by: Peter C.
A note: One of those oaks on the vacant lot is the prominent oak close to Ryan Rd. and beside the RCMP detachment that was nominated in 2022 by Jan Gemmell, who said about that tree, “This tree is special because it is a reminder of the Garry oak meadows that were maintained by the k’omoks first nations. It is a link to the past that carries forward hope for the future. It has a strikingly beautiful crown that rises beside a busy developed commercial paved landscape. I had never visited it and was taken with the wide tall straight bole. There are other Garry oaks in this area in the vacant lot and beside the parking lots of the apartment buildings along Braidwood. I imagine that these oaks were part of a ridge of oaks that ran from Goose Spit and on up Headquarters Road. I fancy what it might be like to have the vacant lot transformed in the spring with blooming camas providing green space for the many people living in this urban space wedged between the old highway and Ryan Rd., this tree with more Garry oaks to keep this tree company. My nickname for it is Big Bobbi, being next to the RCMP station.”
We hope the remaining oaks in the Braidwood area are recognized and remain protected by the City of Courtenay Tree Bylaw.
24. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Location: Enter North Island College from Ryan road, take 1st turn left. After you see the right-hand turnoff to parking, there is a coniferous tree between the road and the sidewalk. Immediately behind this, on the forest side of the sidewalk, is this bigleaf maple tree. (GPS 49.70880, -124.97382).
“This appears to be a close-knit family tree. It has branched out many times during its life—some of which are large, healthy and independent. In other cases, the larger branches have helped a smaller one by re-absorbing it into its thriving trunk. This tree has watched through the years as the many students and staff travel to and from classes, and as citizens walk around the grounds.”
This tree is 28 m in height and 127 cm DBH.
Submitted by Gillian and Murray L.
25. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: On the west side of Stewart St. in Comox, between Birch and Cypress streets, on the Town boulevard. (GPS 49.675195, -124.920273)
“This Doug-fir is the second tree along the west side of Stewart St. when you approach from the south. The east side of the Comox Golf course has a mature grove of Doug-fir and a greenway. The greenway is an avenue of giants. This tree is 32 m in height and 103.8 cm DBH and probably 125 years old. It is on the edge of that grove of giants and has a population of lipstick lichen (Cladonia micilenta) that sets it apart. Upon closer view the bark is crevassed and probably a good candidate for bat nesting.”
Submitted by Fred Newhouse.
26. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: On the south side of Anderton Park in Comox, next to the Berwick property (right along the wood fence with a bench in front of it). (GPS 49.67323, -124.92205)
“This magnificent tree, 33.5 m tall and 108 cm DBH, is one of a trio that stand proudly along the south edge of Anderton Park and is clearly visible anywhere in the park and from my living room window! Two of the trees have recently been pruned by an arborist, presumably hired by the Town, as their branches were almost touching the Berwick building. However, the nominated tree, located behind the tennis court, and other nearby trees are being smothered by invasive English ivy and desperately need some tending to keep them alive!”
Submitted by Alora Griffin.
27. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)
Location: Grows in the vacant lot behind Gas ‘n’ Go, 3080 Comox Rd., but clearly viewable from Comox Rd. as the taller (26 m) of two Doug-firs in this location. (GPS 49.67954, -124.96370)
“This tree is surrounded by pretty purple flowers (Chinodoxa). There is a unique, large ‘burrow’ beside its big trunk (~100 cm DBH), and there seems to be a very magical energy around this tree. I came across it by surprise taking my dog out of my truck at the gas station for a quick walk.”
A note: What appeared to the nominator to be a ‘burrow’, however, is a stump of a tree that was cut at some point and the top has been almost completely enclosed by living tissue. This tree without branches is being kept alive by either one or both trees that are beside it. It is being fed the nutrients it needs through the root systems of those trees with the help of soil mycorrhizae. Magic explained by science.
A reminder to please view this tree from public property along Comox Rd.
Submitted by Denise Fredriksen.
