Island of Trees: 50 Trees, 50 Tales of Montreal

Following the trail of 50 different trees, this guide presents a natural, inspirational perspective on the Island of Montreal, offering a sense of belonging to an ancient forest in its modern form. Going beyond the traits defining the trees and instead interpreting their stories, the collection complements each tale with a fascinating illustration. Montreal is demonstrated as having its own unique ecosystem--insulated by the St. Lawrence River and the Rivi re des Prairies--allowing species such as the giant cottonwood poplars to thrive all along the shoreline. The isle's exotic species are also explored, from the black walnut and tulip trees to the dawn redwood, accentuating the area's diversity. Expanding on the author's original weekly column for Montreal's Gazette, the book groups its subjects by territory, providing natives and visitors alike the opportunity to not only better know and appreciate Montreal's trees, but also discover the hidden places and obscure histories of this intriguing locale.

Bronwyn Chester is the author of A Leafy Legacy: The Trees of McGill University. She is a former writer and associate editor for the McGill Reporter and has guided numerous tree walks in Montreal parks and neighborhoods. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.