Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

Improving communities, one tree at a time.

Plant

Our planting programs make it easy to green your space with native trees and shrubs, all at a subsidized cost! Get expert support to plant the right species in the right place with LEAF!

 

Learn More

LEAF arborist posing with a freeman maple tree after planting. © 2023 Brenna Anstett

Blogs

Mature tree with two co-dominant stems
The way you care for a young tree today can set it up for decades of strength, stability and safety. Identifying and correcting structural weaknesses early can mean the difference between a tree that thrives and one that develops weak branches, splits and requires costly future pruning. Read on to learn about co-dominant stems, one of the most common – and most overlooked – structural problems, and what you can do to fix it.
A group of volunteers and workshop leader crouched around a red bin filled with garden soil.
A healthy urban forest starts with healthy soil! Recently, our garden steward volunteers spent an evening at the LEAF Learning Garden with Jocelyn Molyneux, founder of Wastenot Farms Inc., to learn about the complex world under our feet. They learned how biology can help us understand – and care for – our soil in order to support our native species, which are so integral to our urban canopy.
Fresh green hulls of black walnuts sit beside the darker, softened ones that are ideal for extracting pigment.
What if the black walnuts scattered across your neighbourhood this fall held a colourful secret you could harness? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to unlock the natural colour hidden inside black walnut hulls to create your very own ink!

Events

Two participants at a LEAF planting event
Saturday, October 3 - Dig into the fun and help us grow Vaughan’s urban forest! Celebrate LEAF’s 30th Anniversary with a family-friendly afternoon planting native trees and shrubs in McClure Meadows Park.
Participants at a LEAF community planting event
Sunday, October 4 – Want to help grow Oshawa’s urban forest? Join LEAF in celebrating 30 years of tree planting for some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs in Conlin Meadows Park. Get outside this fall and give back to nature!
Participants at a LEAF tree tour
Sunday, October 4 - Join us for a guided tree identification tour in Richmond Hill's Meander Park!
Two volunteers participating at a LEAF planting event
Saturday, October 17 – Looking for a tree-rific reason to get outside this fall? Help green up King Township! Join us for some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs in Bluff Trail.
Two participants at a LEAF planting event
Sunday, October 18 – Join us for a fun afternoon in Audrie Sanderson Park. Bring your friends and family to lend a helping hand in improving Newmarket’s urban forest!

News

LEAF staff posing with a tree

Special Offers and Incentives

Residents in select municipalities may qualify for additional incentives to plant for less. If you live in Ajax, Markham, Newmarket or Toronto, find out what is available to you!

Check Eligibility

tulip tree leaves

Our Updated Mission and Vision

Learn how LEAF refreshed its mission and vision with renewed commitment and passion. Discover the thinking, collaboration and values shaping our next chapter together.

Read More

two volunteers planting shrubs next to a fence

Durham Social Housing Planting

LEAF is bringing native trees and shrubs to social housing communities in Oshawa and Whitby, while supporting residents in caring for their outdoor spaces and growing the urban forest.

Learn More

Give

©2016 Lilian Natalizio / LEAF

Volunteer

Our fantastic volunteers make our work possible.
 

Join us!

©2017 Erin MacDonald / LEAF

Give a Gift

Purchase a LEAF gift certificate and share the urban forest love!

Buy!

©2015 Anne de Haas / LEAF

Donate

Your tax-deductible gift will help us grow a greener tomorrow.

Donate