April 01, 2021
Brian Millward
With temperatures already warming up, it feels like spring is already here and it is time to start preparing for a new gardening season. However, while we might be ready to get to work in our gardens, it’s good to remember that many creatures are still using them as habitat before the spring thaw. Our volunteers came up with a great way to remind people of how important our gardens are for local wildlife during the winter.
March 29, 2021
Lam Tran
Becoming a Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) proved to be a formative experience for Natalie Secen. She joined the YUFL program with an interest in urban forestry and now, four years later, has a fulfilling career working for a private tree care company. How did this all happen? Natalie shares with us how joining the YUFLs helped root her career in urban forestry.
March 23, 2021
Jess Wilkin
When a tree is uprooted from the ground at a nursery, potted up, transported and replanted in your backyard, it will undergo a period of stress called transplant shock. Trees communicate this stress through a range of physical cues, which may become severe in certain cases. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take before and after planting that will help reduce the transplant shock in your newly planted tree!
March 19, 2021
Brenna Anstett
A multi-seasonal landscape tree showcases a plethora of changing colours and textures throughout the year. The red maple, also known as the scarlet maple, presents an array of attractive features throughout all four seasons- spring, summer, fall and winter. It is also one of the most abundant and widespread maples in North America with its range extending across Ontario to eastern Canada and down along the American east coast to southern Florida.
March 16, 2021
Visitor (not verified)
Tags: Tree Care
Urban forests and urban wildlife share an important year-round, symbiotic relationship. Trees and shrubs offer shelter and food to wildlife and, in return, wildlife and pollinators help these woody plants reproduce. Though feeding on woody plants is normal in a forest setting where there is an abundance of trees and shrubs, single trees and shrubs in yards may require protection when young and vulnerable. Using safe and humane methods of protection will minimize damage while also respecting the wildlife that share our yards; it’s a Backyard Biodiversity win-win!
March 11, 2021
Lam Tran
For Lucy Szczesniak, her interest in the natural environment and urban forest set off a chain of rewarding professional, personal and spiritual developments in her life. Becoming a Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) gave her clarity in the next chapter of her life and connected her to a new network. Hoping to inspire others to join the YUFL program, she shares her experience and guiding principles.
March 02, 2021
Lam Tran
Willow couldn’t have predicted the impact that participating in the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program would have on her life. Driven by her desire to learn more about the urban forest, she found herself developing skills through the program and emerged as a leader in her community. Now, she reflects on her experience and the opportunities ahead.
February 23, 2021
Daniela Serodio
Adam Buchholz’s deep love for trees spans back to his childhood, just like his love for hockey! Now, this Urban Forest Champion is nurturing his passions one DIY project at a time, from planting a tree to building a backyard ice rink!
February 16, 2021
Adriana Rezai-S...
Looking to try something new and exciting this spring? How about planting a tree? The LEAF Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tree Planting Program is perfect for those that want to connect with nature and get their hands dirty. Through the DIY program, homeowners can plant their own tree while still receiving the benefits of personalized advice from a certified arborist. Additionally, virtual consultations, contactless delivery and a lower price make this planting option extremely flexible and appealing.
February 02, 2021
Brian Millward
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One of my favourite things to do during the winter is to curl up under a cozy blanket and get lost in a good book! Last year, I challenged myself to fill my personal library with more non-fiction, and read more environmental books. With everyone spending more time at home than usual, I thought I would share with you some recent nature-reads that I absolutely loved!