Cool Communities
SAVE UP TO $100 ON NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS FOR YOUR YARD THIS SPRING
Residents of Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and surrounding areas are invited to visit local nurseries to received a rebate of up to $100 off native trees and shrubs, ranging from the distinct red osier dogwood to the majestic tulip tree.
Free educational materials about tree selection, planting and care are included. Free public workshops will also be held, where attendees will learn from tree experts about where and how to plant trees or shrubs in their yard. Other topics such as the importance of biodiversity, how to help pollinators thrive and how to plant for energy conservation will also be covered.
COOL COMMUNITIES GUIDES - GET THEM HERE! |
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
- LEAF's Tree Siting Checklist will help you determine the best planting location for your new tree.
- Determine how Healthy Your Soil Is and how you can make it healthier.
- Read about the Top Ten Things to Do for Your Tree to keep it healthy and happy.
- Cick here for information on how to select a good Tree Care Company.
- Want to do more? Click here to get information about LEAF's Community Action Kit.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE URBAN FOREST IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Interested in taking action for the urban forest? Here are some groups that will help you get there.
| Guelph Arboretum The Guelph Arboretum boasts 165 hectares of specialized gardens and botanical collections growing 1,700 different species of trees and shrubs at the University of Guelph. The arboretum is free of charge to visit, grows almost every native species of tree and shrub to Southern Ontario and is home to an abundance of wildlife. The Arboretum Auxiliary has volunteer opportunities in a number of areas including outdoor work, visitor services, event and fundraising and education. | Grand River Conservation Authority The GRCA undertakes watershed and natural resource management along the Grand River. The GRCA Tree Planting Program helps private landowners who have at least one hectare space free from buildings select appropriate species of trees for their land. Landowners can either plant themselves or have the GRCA arrange a planting for them. |
| Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) GUFF is a group of citizens who are concerned about Guelph’s urban forest. GUFF works to increase the health, integrity and area of the urban forest in Guelph through advocacy and education. | The County of Wellington Green Legacy This program will plant 155,000 trees in Wellington County in 2009. Schools, municipalities, corporations, clubs and private landowners can all get involved. You can volunteer with the Green Legacy Nursery and learn skills such as seed collection, stratification, seed sowing, transplanting and tree maintenance. |
The City of Guelph's Healthy
Landscapes | 10,000
Trees This environmental not-for profit is dedicated to planting trees on public green space in the Waterloo area. 10,000 Trees also educates the public about the benefits of re-forestation and provides teachers with a curriculum on the topic for Grade 3 and 4 students. |
WHAT IS THE COOL COMMUNITIES PROJECT?
The Cool Communities Project encourages homeowners in Guelph, Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo and area to plant trees around their house to help conserve energy. It is supported by the Ontario Power Authority’s Conservation Fund, which funds new and innovative electricity conservation projects.
WHO IS LEAF?
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is an award-winning environmental non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving our urban forest through education, training and planting initiatives. Since 1996 LEAF has planted over 15,000 native trees and shrubs in residential backyards.
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