What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm Thursday 9am - 4:30pm Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Forest Gene Conservation Association

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Kemptville, ON
Forest Gene Conservation Association

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We provide species recovery programs, seed collection training, seed orchard management and other ser

11/11/2026

We're Hiring!

Are you passionate about forestry, conservation and protecting Ontario's forests? FGCA is looking for an Archive Program Coordinator to join our team!

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation and recovery of at-risk tree species through hands-on fieldwork, partnership building and program coordination.

Interested? Visit fgca.net/careers to learn more about the position and how to submit your application!

11/11/2026

On Remembrance Day, we pause to remember and honour those who have served, and those who continue to serve, our country. We are grateful for their courage, dedication and sacrifices, and remember all those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Lest We Forget.

11/05/2026

Where does the future of Ontario’s forests begin? Grab your coffee - we have a lot to say!

It starts with the genetic diversity we protect today. From the Carolinian forest through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests to the Boreal north, every region holds valuable genetic resources that can help adapt recover and grow

Discover why geography matters in forest genetics and how conserving diverse seed sources today helps build resilient forests for tomorrow.

Read our latest blog: https://fgca.net/2026/10/where-the-forest-begins/

10/31/2026

A little pumpkin genetics for your Halloween!

Ever wonder why pumpkins come in different shapes, sizes, and shades of orange? Genetics plays a big role! Inherited traits influence everything from a pumpkin’s colour and shape to its size and growth, its sweetness or its resistance to mould.

Genetic diversity helps keep plant populations varied and gives them options against pests, diseases and other pressures.

This Halloween, take a moment to appreciate the science behind your jack-o’-lantern!

Photo Credit: Stefan Weber

10/23/2026

It starts with a seed.

With the right conditions, including fertile soil, moisture, and light, a seed has a better chance of growing into a healthy tree. But not every seed will germinate, and not every seedling will survive.

But success for a seed doesn’t just mean becoming a tree.

That tree needs to reproduce, but it’s offspring must also be able to remain adapted to the changing world.

Adaptation is an ongoing process over many generations

The gradual transition of heritable traits that help trees thrive and reproduce happens across generations, and this is what drives adaptation within a population.

Although it is a challenging process and scale to comprehend, it is crucial that those working to support forest ecosystems understand that climate adaptation does not happen in one generation, but is ongoing across many generations.

10/16/2026

With colder weather on the way, now is a good time to give your butternut trees a little extra care!

For young butternut trees, protect them from rodents and deer by installing a tree guard or wrap before the snow falls. Remove the guards in spring to help prevent sunscald during the summer. You can also clear long grass and vegetation from around the base of the tree to improve air circulation and reduce the moist conditions that favour butternut canker.

For older butternut trees, take some time to check their condition. Remove any vines climbing their branches and clear long grass or vegetation pressed against the trunk to promote good air circulation. Take care not to damage the bark or branches, as wounds can provide entry points for butternut canker.

10/16/2026

Although some of Kennelly Tract was impacted by the same tornado that hit Black Donald Tract in 2018, it has another feature that sets it apart.

There are butternut trees. A lot of them. And they aren't in bad shape!

Butternut is endangered in Ontario due to butternut canker, a non-native disease that has caused widespread mortality. While evaluating the damage from the 2018 tornado, our staff found some relatively healthy trees in the Kennelly Tract — and even natural regeneration.

We reached out to our friends at the Forest Gene Conservation Association , who collected material from some of these trees for their butternut recovery program. The goal is to identify trees that appear to tolerate the disease and use them to grow the next generation of potentially tolerant butternuts.

We’ve even planted seedlings grown from some of these trees right here in the County Forest. We're keeping an eye on them and hope this area can remain a little stronghold for the survival of butternut trees. 🌱

County of Renfrew Township of Greater Madawaska

10/14/2026

These tiny acorns hold the genetic blueprint for a more climate-resilient future forest. Produced within an active assisted migration trial, they combine parent trees from Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Cross-breeding between the sources enhances genetic diversity, producing trees that may be better adapted to a changing climate.

10/13/2026

Ontario's forest managers are responsible for ensuring that forests are healthy, resilient and productive, now and into the future. Sustainable forest practices require that reforestation involves genetically rich seed sources and good silviculture which will help fulfill that mandate.

The eight white pine seed orchards that FGCA manages contain clones of plus trees from breeding zones in southern Ontario, which were specifically selected for highly desirable traits, such as growth, structure, etc.

A known source of premium genetic quality seed from white pine seed orchards ensures that Ontario's forests benefit from source-identified trees that are not only well suited to current conditions but also support the creation of resilient forests in the face of climate change.

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from the FGCA🍂

Address

275 County Road 44
Kemptville, ON
K0G1J0

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.fgca.net/

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