Blogs

This summer, young women took part in LEAF’s Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program to learn about urban forestry. The program concluded with participants organizing a community event at a Toronto park. For the four of us, Laura, Denyse, Jenna and Karla, this event took place on Sunday, August 19th, at Guild Park. It was the first of the three YUFL events and an amazing success!

Growing up, I loved to climb trees. When I was seated in the branches of a tree I could be anything I wanted, from a forest fairy overlooking her kingdom, to a firefighter saving an (imaginary) cat. Trees played an essential role in my childhood, but they did more than just fuel my overactive imagination. Trees benefit the health and wellbeing of all people, but they hold unique benefits for kids.

Claire studies sustainability at university. She started working at LEAF this summer, running our Junior Urban Forest Rangers Program. Read about how she helps shape the next generation of urban forest champions!

Ever heard the expression “money doesn’t grow on trees”? Well, LEAF is here to say it does! In the summer, shade trees planted on the west and south sides of your home can reduce cooling costs by 25–40% according to a study by the University of California Berkeley.