This year, National Tree Day fell on a beautiful, warm day in early fall (September 24th, to be exact!). We couldn’t have asked for better weather to roll up our sleeves, dig in and do our part to help the urban forest. With the devastation caused by last December’s ice storm, and with over 700,000 ash trees in York Region’s urban areas at risk of infestation and death due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), planting new trees is more important than ever.
We had a lot of fun planting trees, as you can see in this short video from the day. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to plant your own tree!
City of Vaughan was a key partner for this event, and Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua welcomed the group with a rousing address on the importance of working together to build a greener community. Deputy Mayor Gino Rosati and Regional Councillor Deb Schulte also came out to celebrate.
Representatives from York Region and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) were in attendance to partake in the festivities and share their enthusiasm for the urban forest. Erin Mahoney, Commissioner, Environmental Services for York Region, and Barb Reuber, Vice President, Environment, OPG, said a few words about why they support LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program and how our work at LEAF helps them achieve their broader environmental goals.
Milan Bolkovic, Executive Vice President, Renewable Generation and Conservation for PowerStream, spoke about the importance of green initiatives to his staff, who were very enthusiastic planting volunteers today.
A number of LEAF’s amazing Tree Tenders graduates were also on hand to share their knowledge and expertise with the other volunteers! They were integral to the success of the day, leading planting demonstrations and ensuring all of the trees were planted with care.
Barkley, LEAF’s very own tree mascot, also joined in the celebration!
Ontario Streams, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of streams and wetlands through education and community involvement, also partnered with LEAF for this event. Because Marita Payne Park is situated in the flood plain area of the upper West Don, we relied on their expertise to develop the planting plan for the day. They helped us select native tree species that will thrive alongside the stream that flows through the park.
Planting these 300 native trees and shrubs will help to create habitat and support biodiversity in Marita Payne Park and the Vaughan community at large. But we don’t want to stop there. We encourage everyone to do their part by planting on their own properties as well!
With the support of our wonderful partners, we are able to help homeowners get expert advice and native trees that are well-suited to the conditions in their yard, all at an affordable price. After all, healthy urban forests provide human health benefits through shade, filtered air and cleaner waterways. When planted strategically, trees and shrubs also reduce energy costs, increase property value and offer privacy. And of course, we can’t forget the food and habitat benefits for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
To find out how you can get a tree for your own yard, check out LEAF's Backyard Tree Planting Program!
Melissa Williams is LEAF's Residential Planting Programs Manager.