October 25, 2022; Linamar Corporation’s (TSX: LNR) Skyjack division is proud to support The Arboretum at the University of Guelph with their annual seed harvest.

The Arboretum was established over 50 years ago by the University of Guelph to serve as a living laboratory and promotes conservation efforts through teaching, research, and community outreach.

“This partnership helps us further our mission to conserve biodiversity and connect people to nature,” says Justine Richardson, director, The Arboretum, University of Guelph. “As an internationally accredited arboretum with a strong focus on native Ontario tree species, crop forecasting and seed collection are core to our mission.  This partnership provides training and capacity-building for our staff and helps us access hard-to-reach seeds high up in the canopy of our collections. This work is especially important for rare and endangered tree populations that are part of the living genetic archives here at The Arboretum.”

With the assistance of the large 60 ft boom from Cooper Equipment, Justine goes on to say, “This year, we will also be using the Skyjack to sweep the canopy as part of a spider biodiversity survey – a citizen science effort!”

The brand new SJ60 AJ+ was fresh off the line and taken directly over to The Arboretum for this year’s harvest.

“Cooper Equipment Rentals is honored to have the opportunity to work with Skyjack again to support the University of Guelph’s Arboretum annual seed harvest,” says Rod Lentino, director of rental equipment, Cooper Equipment Rentals. 

The staff at The Arboretum begins harvesting fall seeds in late summer and continue into November. The collection of seeds not only helps in the continued development of the grounds and collections of The Arboretum, but also aids in conservation efforts across Canada and abroad.

“Skyjack has always looked for opportunities to support the communities where our products are in operation,” says Matt Rahn, territory manager, Skyjack. “The City of Guelph holds a very special place in our hearts because it has been home to our primary manufacturing facilities for many years now.  It fills us with great pride to be able to use a homegrown product to assist the incredible people and neighboring businesses within our community.  Many thanks to our valued partners at Cooper for their hand in this.”

With over 1,700 different species at The Arboretum, many of which are not commercially available, the collection of seeds is very important for sustainability and to propagate plants in the nursery. Each plant has its own record detailing its origin. The more information that can be acquired upon the collection of seeds, the more useful each plant is in the research and conservation process.

“We are very pleased to continue our support of The Guelph Arboretum in their annual seed harvest,” says Malcolm Early, vice president marketing, Skyjack. “As a member of the Guelph community, we are happy to lend a helping hand. Sustainability is increasingly important in our industry, and we have recently launched machines that have improved environmental performance under our ‘ECO’ program. Being a partner with The Arboretum helps spread that message. We are also very happy to have worked with Cooper Equipment, a valued customer who allowed the use of their newly purchased SJ60 AJ+.”

To encourage the community to learn more about nature, and the wonders that are right in their backyard, The Arboretum held the annual Arboretum Expo on September 9th and 10th which included a plant sale, educational walks, workshops and more. Skyjack was a proud partner for this event as well, providing t-shirts for the volunteer staff, and the boom on site for seed collecting demonstrations.

“Our strategic partnership continues to bear fruit by allowing us to participate in educational and environmental causes that are at the core of Cooper’s identity,” says Lentino. “We look forward to seeing the harvest this season!”