Through the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program, LEAF partners with Toronto Community Housing tenants who are helping to care for newly planted trees and inspire greener communities. One of these dedicated individuals is Keyondre, a resident who took an active role after seeing trees planted outside his home. Since then, he has cared for young trees in his neighbourhood and helped bring more awareness to the value of urban green spaces.
Our Community Housing Stewardship Coordinator, Jessie Cripton, caught up with Keyondre to talk more about his experiences and motivations in caring for his community’s trees.
What got you interested in planting trees in your community?
I've always cared about the environment and nature, and would often look at empty patches of grass around the city and think, “If trees are so good why aren't they planted everywhere? Why is there so much empty space around when we need trees now more than ever?” One day, I looked out my window and saw LEAF members planting about a dozen trees outside of my house on an empty patch of grass. I thought it was really cool, since I had always thought the area around my house could use more greenery. I approached a member of the team and spoke to them about the program. They were super helpful and really sparked my interest in getting involved.
What has been the most meaningful aspect of the program for you?
The most meaningful part of the program to me is that I was able to directly create a positive impact on my community. I did this by caring for and watering the newly planted trees, as well as informing the LEAF team about a row of dead trees behind my house, which they promptly removed and replaced with new ones. Now, there are almost 30 new young trees that bloom in the spring, provide fresh berries for the birds in the summer and get covered in Christmas decorations by my neighbours during the winter. These little things mean the most to me because they show that the neighborhood I live in looks better and feels more alive than it did two years ago. It motivates my mom and me to keep going and care for the trees that everyone gets to enjoy.
Have you noticed any changes in the community, or attitudes toward nature, since the program started?
When LEAF came to 75 Tandridge a few months back, dozens of people in my neighborhood came out to learn about the program. We learned what the trees are called and where their names come from, how big they grow, what fruit they produce and what animals like them. LEAF even gave us a tour around the block to teach us about each tree and answer our questions. It was nice to see people young and old be curious, get engaged and learn about the environment around them.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start?
What I would say is that there are many ways you can get involved. Watering and caring for the trees in your neighborhood is an easy place to start. You can also reach out to LEAF or the City of Toronto if you see damaged or dead trees, or to request new trees and shrubs. I encourage you to take that first step and get your friends and family involved too.
Thank you, Keyondre, for reaffirming how trees can strengthen communities and for the care and commitment you bring to the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program!
Jessie Cripton is the Community Housing Stewardship Assistant at LEAF.
The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program is implemented by LEAF, TCHC and the City of Toronto. It is funded by the City Toronto through an Urban Forestry Grant and Green Communities Canada through the Living Cities Canada Fund, which is funded by Trees for Life.