As many of you may know, I’ve also been active on national environmental issues like the tar sands, overfishing and protecting our boreal forest. So when I was offered the opportunity to become the Volunteer Organizer for Ontario with Greenpeace Canada, it was one I couldn’t turn down. However, it has been an incredibly hard decision to leave LEAF and that is because I don't want to leave all of you.
As I type with tears in my eyes I am reminded of all the great times we’ve shared. I’m so proud to have been part of a committed staff that work so hard to make positive change and the caliber of you - our volunteers, Tree Tenders, EAB Ambassadors and community leaders - has set the bar high.
It has been an honor to work with all of you and even after all this time, I continue to be amazed by each and every one of you. No matter what you have going on in your own personal lives, you always make time for our urban trees. You’re active on social media, attend tours and educational workshops, steward our gardens, educate your neighbours and help get more trees in the ground. You have no idea how much your time, energy and dedication has meant.
You’ve built an urban forest movement; one that did not exist before your participation in the issue. It’s because of your collective efforts that the benefits, issues and threats to urban trees and living green infrastructure have been put on the map, placed on the political agenda and pushed to top of mind for members of the public. I will forever carry the experiences and teachings you’ve given me about the meaning of active citizen engagement.
The other part of this extended family I will not forget are all the trees I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to. LEAF has a tendency to open your eyes to the living giants standing all around you. These trees have brought so much to my life and even inspired a side project: WearableWood - beautiful accessories from salvaged and pruned trees, handmade by my partner and I.
I’ve now placed myself into the LEAF volunteer database and I will remain a strong advocate and voice for the urban forest. Although this is a young movement, it is strong. I’m looking forward to watching it continue to grow with all of you as I transition from staff to volunteer.
Thank you for all you’ve given me. If you would like to take a trip down memory lane, please feel free to leave your stories, favourite moment or comments below.
To get this conversation started I would like to share this video that tells the story about our LEAF Learning Garden. This project was so much fun and had so many volunteers involved in its many stages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dinMHDQ-uzc&feature=plcp