Ground Hemlock - A New Source for an Anti-Cancer Drug

A New Forest Product used to Fight Cancer

Researchers at the Canadian Forest Service’s Atlantic Forestry Centre (CFS-AFC) are working with partners from provincial governments, universities, ENGO’s and the private sector in the fight against cancer. The goal is to develop a new forest-based industry in eastern Canada using ground hemlock.

What is Ground Hemlock?


Ground hemlock (Taxus canadensis), also known as eastern yew, is a small, spreading, evergreen shrub found in many woodlots and shaded areas. It’s needles and bark contain paclitaxel, the active ingredient used in the anti-cancer drug Taxol®. Paclitaxel as well as other closely related compounds called taxanes, are used to fight more than 20 cancerous and non-cancerous diseases.

Who is involved?

Atlantic Forestry Centre researchers are leading a multi-discipline, multi-partner program to promote the development of a new forest-based industry producing the anti-cancer drug Taxol®. CFS-AFC was instrumental in bringing together representatives from six eastern Canadian provinces, the private sector (commercial harvesters and processors), the University of New Brunswick, and Falls Brook Centre (an environmental non-government organization) to form the Eastern Canadian Ground Hemlock Working Group.

Surveillance and Security

In todays society unlike that of a previous generation more and more companies and business's are requiring the services of Surveillance and Security business's much like that of AM Surveillance and Security located here in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

This is a new business in our area and has had a successful launch of their services which consist of Foot Patrols, Mobile Patrols, Emergency Alarm Responses to vacant home or business spot checks.

Be sure to check them out here at www.amss.ca today.

Covered Bridge

For as long as I can remeber anytime we as youngsters crossed the Covered Bridge our mother told a story of how "one was supposed to hold your breath" and if you could do that the whole way across your wish may come true.


This beautiful man made item is the Worlds Longest Covered Bridge and see's hundreds if not thousands of tourist per year located in Harland, New Brunswick, Canada.

It is only about 10 - 12 minutes away from my residence in a boat ride coming from Woodstock, proceeding north and I must admit on the way towards the bridge contains some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing I have ever experienced.

My wife also from the area has taken up "Pampered Chef" which again is neat products for the kitchen.

If you want to see more info on either "Smallmouth Bass","Covered Bridge","Pampered Chef" let me know and I'll do some more posts.

Thanks a bunch,

Colin Rees

Pampered Chef

My wife Sheila recently signed up as a Pampered Chef consultant. For those of you not aware of what this means or represents I suggest you take a few minutes and get acquainted with all of their products. Amazing, handy items and recipes to have around the kitchen.

For a better word I was shocked to find that products offered were realistic improvments to the food preparation experience.

For example:

Lets say you were making an apple pie for your church organization or simply needed apples peeled and cored on a "assembly line" scenario this product is perfect for you.
Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer