1. What motivated you to get involved in the program? Were there any experiences and values that contributed?
“What motivates and inspires me in everything I do, the passion that I have is because I really care about the people. I'm a people person. I really take the time to listen to what they actually want and ensure things are done based on their needs, not mine. Many of the tenants have come forward to let me know that they wanted to get shrubs and plants. That’s how I discovered LEAF. After learning about the program and everything it offers, I knew it was the perfect fit for what the tenants were looking for."
2. What has your experience with the program, and supporting tenants in it, and LEAF been like? Has there been a particularly meaningful moment?
“When LEAF came to the Brahms Community Clean Up and helped pick up litter. Actions always speak louder than words. The fact that you came out, didn’t just advertise, but did such a wonderful job going around and cleaning up garbage, picking things up with our cross-community cleanup, connecting so many different communities together – it just spoke volumes about how much you really care about the environment and the work that you're willing to put in. And I know the tenants appreciated it a lot.”
3. Have you noticed any changes in the communities you work with since trees and shrubs were planted and stewardship began?;
“Tenants are now more familiar with the policies and procedures surrounding tree protection and have started advocating for tree protection whenever contractors come into communities. They are also a lot more knowledgeable about different types of shrubs and plants and what each one offers.”
Working with LEAF to add trees and shrubs really helped beautify our communities, which resulted in tenants treating their communities more positively and being more respectful and responsible. I think this tied into other initiatives we had, like the cleanup program, that allowed them to feel more confident to clean up their community. It goes beyond just the plants and the beautification of the community. Now when we have barbecues, game nights and things of that nature, people are picking up after themselves more than they might have in the past. I've noticed less garbage around. There's no exact correlation that this is because of the LEAF program, there's no exact way to prove it, but I feel the difference.”
4. What advice would you give to a staff member or tenant who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start?
“I would say LEAF is very straightforward and easy to connect with because you get back right away. My advice is to just reach out, send them an e-mail and start from there. Even when LEAF is over capacity because they have a small team, they still find a way to make it work. They come out to communities, do their best and always put in 150%.”
Thank you, Alexis, for your incredible support of tenants who wish to bring greenery to TCHC communities! LEAF is deeply grateful to have an advocate like you.
For seven years, LEAF has been working with TCHC and the City of Toronto to engage with residents in the planting and stewardship of native trees and shrubs on TCHC properties. LEAF’s TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program aims to provide communities with the knowledge and support to properly care for the trees in their communities and deepen their relationships with nature.
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.