Comox Valley’s Tree of the Year for 2021

 By Keith and Heather Nicol

On a recent round of disc golf at Cumberland’s challenging Coal Creek course we decided to check out the Comox Valley’s tree of the year. The trail leading to the tree is just off the access trail to the disc golf course so it makes it easy to visit if you are playing a round of disc golf. The tree of the year was chosen by the Comox Valley Naturalist Society and was picked by popular vote. To have a look at the tree,  park at Jumbo’s Cabin or the adjacent parking lot which accesses the disc golf course and the Coal Creek Historic Park. The park highlights the role that the Chinese community made in Cumberland and has walking trails and intepretative plaques. Walk past the gate and turn left on a side trail. Walk about 180 paces along the main trail (there are forks so stick to the main trail). You will see the tree on the left hand side of the trail as you start to climb uphill. The trails here are used by downhill mountain bikers so keep you head up. 

      The tree has many gnarly branches and at first looks like an arbutus. But it is growing in a shady north west facing location, not the preferred habitat for arbutus.  It is Western Yew which is known for its strong, stiff wood and has been used by First Nations for millennia. The tree’s gnarled look and numerous low arcing branches suggest a hard fought existence. Be sure to check it out! For more information on the other trees selected for 2021 Comox Valley Tree of the Year check out this web site - https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/nominees-for-tree-of-the-year-2021/