June 12, 2012
Amanda Gomm
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When it comes to the issue of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), much of the media coverage has focused on gloom, doom and the sound of chainsaws. I can’t say I blame them. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotion; but there is more to the story, and it includes optimism, the power of community, and you. It is our EAB Call to Action.
June 06, 2012
Matthew Higginson
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For me it really always comes down to our amazing volunteers. And while staff often end up volunteering extra hours and days for the cause too, it's the people who never recieve a pay cheque that keep me truly inspired. Their enthusiasm and tenacity in our planting and stewardship, or when it comes to spreading the word on what's up in the urban forest is just what we need. They help us continue to grow and take our programs in fresh directions and across to new communities.
http://youtu.be/uD-f2Q_n8eQ
May 31, 2012
Melissa Williams
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It’s that time of year when we all want to get outside for barbecues with friends, afternoons on the patio, and time well spent in our gardens. Our urban forest canopy provides us with shade – much needed respite from the hot sun – but it’s important to remember that trees need some extra care from us during these dry summer months. Here’s how you can help you LEAF trees stay cool this season:
May 30, 2012
Matthew Higginson
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Who doesn’t like a good party – especially one for a great cause? Each year LEAF gathers together with friends, family, supporters, fans, and everyone interested in urban forestry as we celebrate our collective achievements and raise a glass (or two) for the trees.
May 24, 2012
Guest Blogger
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Being in the log salvaging industry means I see lots of unique material. One of my favourite pieces I’ve ever come across was a gorgeous book matched black walnut table that we created from a tree salvaged from a Tridel development a few years back. The tree had to come down as they were clearing a site for a new condo development. It was unfortunate that it had to be removed but we were there to rescue it from the chipper and give it a second chance.
May 16, 2012
Matthew Higginson
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In last week’s Globe and Mail, journalist and urban enthusiast John Lorinc took a look at Yorkville’s recent tree-related mishap. Though focused on a stretch of Bloor St. in downtown Toronto (coined the 'Mink Mile'), the piece points to some of the larger problems faced by our street-dwelling friends. And it’s not just the Mile’s unhappy stumps that have fallen before their time.
May 09, 2012
Amanda Gomm
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Last fall I had the pleasure of seeing Peter Simon speak about boulevard trees at the annual OUFC (Ontario Urban Forestry Council) Conference. He grabbed my attention right away with a historic introduction to how and where street trees first came to be and then moved to our very own city, back when horse and buggy were still the main source of wheeled-transportation. I fell in love with the topic.
May 07, 2012
Polina Buchan
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I graduated from LEAF’s Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program a year ago – in May 2011. This January, I was invited to participate in the Emerald Ash Borer Park Challenge. The purpose of this collaborative project with the City of Toronto was to help identify ash trees in city parks that are eligible to receive preventive TreeAzin injections to protect them against the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.
April 27, 2012
Matthew Higginson
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We've kicked off another spring planting season. At LEAF the entire staff gets an opportunity to go out in the field for at least one day. This means our marketing team takes time away from setting up interviews and tweaking websites to plant trees. I love the concept and needless to say it’s is a welcomed break from the glow of my computer screen. But even more than that, it’s a refreshing experience each time it rolls around.
April 20, 2012
Matthew Higginson
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It's going to be a busy weekend. We get excited each year around this time as millions of people in over 175 countries around the globe get together to celebrate our home. This year we're spreading out to connect with diverse communities and share tips on stewarding the planet at a local level. And while Earth Day falls on Sunday, I wanted to share all of the weekend's events we'll be attending - I hope you can join us!