Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

Plant

Our Backyard Tree Planting Program offers native trees and shrubs to property owners at a subsidized cost.

Homeowners

Multi-units

Businesses

2018_BrennaAnstett_Natasha_Planting

LEAF arborist posing with a serviceberry tree after planting

Blogs

collage image of fruits from american hazelnut, common elderberry, black chokeberry and serviceberry

Fighting Food Insecurity with the Urban Forest: Four Native Shrubs to Plant This Year

Food insecurity is a growing concern, especially with recent inflation trends and the impacts of adverse weather events on our food supply. The urban forest is home to many diverse edible plant species and can be leveraged to help increase availability and easy access to local food. Check out our top four most nutritious native shrubs that you can plant to grow food and our urban forest.

LEAF staff member planting a tree in the late fall with snow on the ground

Mythbusters: Top 3 Myths of Planting in the Fall

Fall is here, and you have left your planting work a bit too late this year. Will you be able to dig into the soil to plant that new tree, and more importantly, will it survive? While colder temperatures may create some hesitation around fall planting, it is actually a great time to add new greenery to your yard. Read on as we tackle the top three myths associated with planting in the fall.

Cooking with Native Shrubs

Did you know there are native shrub species in Ontario that offer a variety of delicious and healthy food not only for wildlife but for people too? Read on to find out how you can cook with native species!

Events

Volunteer planting a tree at a community planting event

Community Tree Planting in Russett Park (Oshawa)

Saturday, September 30 – Want to help grow Oshawa’s urban forest? Join us for some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs in Russett Park. Get your hands dirty and give back to nature!

Community Tree Planting in Russett Park (Oshawa) [Registration Full]

Sunday, October 1 – Want to help grow Oshawa’s urban forest? Join us for some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs in Russett Park. Get your hands dirty and give back to nature!

LEAF staff and volunteers planting a tree at a community planting event.

Community Tree Planting in Tasca Community Park (Nobleton, Township of King)

Saturday, October 14 - Calling all tree-lovers! Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of planting native trees and shrubs in Tasca Community Park. Dig into some fun and help grow the Township of King’s urban forest!