Friend of Muskoka Watershed will be collecting ash from wood stoves and fireplaces once again on Saturday, March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take your clean and cold ash to the Rosewarne Transfer Station at 1062 Rosewarne Drive in Bracebridge.
Weather permitting, their next collection date will take place on Saturday, April 11 on Earth Day. If they have to cancel or reduce hours, it’ll be posted here and/or on their Facebook page.
Why are Friends of the Muskoka Watershed collecting wood ash?
Early studies show that adding wood ash to our forests can make our trees stronger and healthier, which could in turn impact such things as climate change and seasonal flooding. The calcium in wood ash is a natural way to replenish the calcium lost over decades of acid rain.
As of August 2022, 1,000 people had contributed 27,000 kilograms of ash to the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) to help protect Muskoka’s forests and watersheds.
These volunteers store their ash outdoors after regular cleaning of their woodstove or fireplace. Then on specified collection days, they put their ash into their car or truck and deliver it to the Rosewarne Transfer Station in Bracebridge—talk about dedication!
Others are asking, why do I need to donate my wood ash to FOTMW?
For the last four years, FOTMW has been doing scientific research on the benefits of adding ash. They needed the donation of wood ash from homes heated by firewood so they could study the ash contents to determine the chemical makeup. The laboratory studies indicate that Muskoka ash is 25-30 percent calcium, and also contains other key plant nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
They also needed ash to put on test sites so, working with three universities, they could monitor the results. Thanks to volunteers, as of last year they had spread about 9,000 kilograms of ash across test forests in Muskoka, as part of their research. Early results have shown it is having a positive impact—with healthier, more storm-resistant trees that capture more carbon!
They are working with Citizen Scientists to learn even more about the benefits of wood ash. The donated ash has been filtered and mixed to create kits to expand the reach of their research across Muskoka. As of last year over 80 Citizen Scientist kits went out to those who are participating in ash-spreading experiments on their own trees. They report back and help them learn.
Can I spread my wood ash on my own property? Here’s a tip from Friends of the Muskoka Watershed:
While we would prefer you to store the ash for us, some of you choose to put it on your own property. If so, there are some things you need to watch out for.
• First, only use cold, dry ash. Allow the ash to cool for several days. Hot ash is a real fire risk to homes, properties, and forests.
• Clean ash is required, so only burn clean wood. Avoid pressure-treated wood, plastics, construction waste, or wood treated with paint, glue, insecticide, etc. Remove any staples or nails ahead of time and strain or rake your ash for metals before spreading.
• Through our research we’ve determined a ratio that we believe works best for our Muskoka forests. Spread one 750 ml yogurt container full of ash per one square metre. It is recommended that you wear gloves, long pants, and a mask when spreading ash.
• Wood ash only needs to be applied once to replace the 50 years of calcium depletion due to acid rain. If you have more ash, spread it in a different area next time. Spread it in an area not frequented by people and pets.
• Please avoid lakes, wetlands, and steep grades heading toward the water when spreading your ash.
And if you are adding it to your property, let us know. Tag us on social media or email [email protected]
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