Comfort Maple facts for kids

The Comfort Maple Tree, Pelham, Ontario

The Comfort Maple tree is a very old sugar maple tree found in the Comfort Maple Conservation Area in Pelham, Ontario. Experts believe this tree is about 500 years old. If that's true, it would be one of the oldest sugar maple trees in all of Canada!

The tree got its name from the Comfort family. They bought the land where the tree stands way back in 1816. Later, in 1961, Miss Edna Eleanor Comfort generously gave the tree and the land around it to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. This group helps protect natural areas. Today, Dr. Paul Coyne is the owner of the Comfort Maple.

What Makes the Comfort Maple Special?

An interpretive sign at the Comfort Maple Conservation Area

This amazing tree is 24.5 metres (80 ft) tall, which is like an eight-story building! Its branches spread out wide, forming a crown that is 38 metres (125 ft) around. The trunk of the tree is also huge, measuring 6 metres (20 ft) around at its base.

Because the tree is so old, and because it has been hit by lightning at least once, it has needed some help to stay strong. Over the years, people have used bricks, concrete, and strong wires to support its branches and trunk.

Visiting the Comfort Maple

Wires were installed to support the branches of the tree

The Comfort Maple Conservation Area is a small, peaceful spot. It's located at the end of a small road off Metler Road, surrounded by farmland. The area is only about 0.1 hectares (0.25 acres) in size and has a small parking area for visitors.

In June 2000, the Comfort Maple was officially named a "heritage tree" under the Ontario Heritage Act. This means it's recognized as a very important and special natural landmark that should be protected for future generations to enjoy.