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
Tags:
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!
January 28, 2021
Adriana Rezai-S...
Trees that tend to hold on to their foliage are known as evergreen trees. Although it might seem like an intuitive word, there is still much confusion surrounding this tree group. Are all conifers evergreen? Do all evergreens have needles? Do evergreens make for good backyard trees? We answer all this and more!
January 20, 2021
Mikayla Richards
Tags: Urban Forest Champion
Like many parents, Cheryl Gula is passionate about ensuring there is a healthy planet for her son as he grows up. This Urban Forest Champion is doing her part to make sure that happens by using the available space on her Markham property to plant trees. Her backyard trees will not only benefit her son, but the winder community for generations to come!
January 11, 2021
Jess Wilkin
It can be tricky to identify deciduous trees after their leaves drop. However, winter presents a great opportunity to learn about other tree features, like buds or bark, to identify your neighbourhood trees. Practice makes perfect, so get out this season and enhance your Winter ID skills with these tips!
January 06, 2021
Brenna Anstett
The New Year has just begun and we’re busy preparing for our spring 2021 tree planting season! As we look ahead, I find myself reflecting on last year’s accomplishments. Despite having to postpone our spring season as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, we still managed to plant 1,176 native trees and shrubs on private property. Furthermore, we successfully expanded into parts of Durham Region, making it our busiest and most rewarding planting season yet!
January 04, 2021
Brian Millward
Throughout 2020, our Community Programs team was tasked with adapting many of our programs and events to follow ever-evolving public health guidelines. Despite the many changes, we were able to continue to engage volunteers and community members with fun and informative programs aimed at protecting and enhancing the urban forest. Here are some of the year’s accomplishments.
December 21, 2020
Daniela Serodio
Tags: Backyard Biodiversity
Did you know that the plant choices we make in our gardens can impact the urban forest and the wildlife that call it home? Non-native, invasive species continue to be popular garden choices and are widely available for purchase. Unfortunately, these species can escape our yards and wreak havoc in natural areas! The good news is that there are many beautiful native species that can be planted in their stead that have similar characteristics and only positive consequences for nature!
December 18, 2020
Daniela Serodio
Michael Taylor self-identifies as an “apartment kid” who didn’t have access to a backyard growing up. Now as an adult, raising a family of his own, this Urban Forest Champion is committed to providing his kids with the perfect outdoor space. And, no backyard is complete without the addition of native trees and shrubs!
December 07, 2020
Daniela Serodio
Meet Paul Zhang, a Markham resident and Urban Forest Champion! Nine years ago, Paul and his family moved to a new development. Their new house and the life they built were great! But, one thing was missing: backyard trees.