September 30, 2024
Jon Curtis
In the quest for greener and healthier urban centres, planting trees plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable city living. While you may think that the bigger is better, there's a growing recognition of the benefits associated with planting younger, smaller trees to enrich our urban forests.
September 04, 2024
Moesha Dominique
Abayomi Broomes is an advocate and activist dedicated to the protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife. Since 2022, he has received over 15 native shrubs and three native trees through LEAF’s Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) Planting and Stewardship Program. Hear more from Abayomi about the importance of community greening and why others should get involved.
August 21, 2024
Jon Curtis
Tags: Invasive Species
A silent invasion of worms could be happening in your backyard right under your nose. These invaders, known as jumping worms, are rapidly spreading across North America. They may look harmless, but their presence can have devastating effects on your soil and garden. Find out more about how to identify and manage these destructive pests.
July 25, 2024
Amba P
Do you look out your window and notice green grass yards as far as the eye can see? The potential for transformation is endless, particularly if you live in a new development. Former LEAF Planter turned Residential Planting Programs Assistant, Amba, shares her first-hand experience of planting in new developments and explores the immense power it can have on returning beauty and nature back to newly built communities.
July 24, 2024
Joel Sloggett
Did you know that planting a tree has many benefits, one of which is reducing temperatures in urban areas? Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is having an increasingly significant impact on the temperature in urban areas. One of the best ways to help mitigate these impacts is by growing our urban forest! Read on to learn what UHI is and how you can help build a greener, more resilient community!
July 24, 2024
Jon Curtis
Tags: Invasive Species
A colourful, invasive pest might be closer to your neighbourhood than you think, posing a significant threat to Ontario's urban forests. Read on to learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), the impact it would have on our urban forest and what you can do to prevent it from spreading.
July 24, 2024
Joel Sloggett
Trees need space to grow into maturity so that we can enjoy their benefits. However, the urban environment presents frequent obstacles for a growing tree. Find out how LEAF’s spacing requirements for backyard tree planting ensure that the trees we plant not only survive but thrive in harmony with their surrounding landscape long-term!
June 26, 2024
Sarah Halonen
This spring, LEAF, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and the Canadian Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) held a special ceremony to unveil a stunning new art installation by Ojibway Woodland artist Thomas Sinclair at the LEAF Urban Demonstration Garden at Bathurst Station. Read on to discover what this mural means to Thomas and the powerful message of healing and hope it brings to the community.
June 26, 2024
Jess Wilkin
Climate change predictions for York Region forecast a future with more rainfall, which will stress our existing stormwater management networks and put homes and properties at risk of flood damage. A partnership between the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of York and LEAF aims to reduce stormwater runoff by helping Newmarket property owners plant trees for less.
June 10, 2024
Justin Lewis
Tags: Backyard Biodiversity
Canada is often associated with vast forests and abundant natural landscapes. Despite having a wealth of trees in general, certain areas like Southern Ontario are facing a significant decline in forested areas. Since the 1800s, Southern Ontario has lost a substantial amount of forest habitat. This loss has had profound implications for both the environment and the communities that reside there.