Community Tree Planting

Tree planting events are an excellent opportunity to take direct environmental action and learn about how we can protect and care for our urban forest ecosystem. These fun, community-building events allow people to be part of the solution to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Event participants must:

Wear close-toed shoes
Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor physical activity
Bring a reusable water bottle and UV protection
Come with a great attitude, ready to plant and learn!

Each participant will receive training from a LEAF staff member or trained LEAF volunteer on how to properly plant and mulch trees and shrubs. Our goal is for participants to walk away with a better understanding of the importance of native plant species and how they can protect and enhance the urban forest. All ages are welcome to these family-friendly events! Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Our community tree planting events take place in York Region and Durham Region.

For upcoming community tree planting events, check out our Events page!

For tree planting events in the City of Toronto, visit their Community Stewardship Program.

Depending on the size of your group, LEAF may be able to offer a variety of private event options in York Region or Durham Region.

Private events are a great fit for larger groups (more than 35 people). These may be corporate groups seeking a group activity for employees, or other types of groups. LEAF requires a minimum of three months’ notice to plan a private event.
If you have a small group but would still like to participate in a planting event, your group may be able to attend one of our public events.

Note: A donation may be requested to help cover some of the costs for a private event.

To find out more and to determine which option may work best for your group, please contact sarah[at]yourleaf.org as soon as possible

volunteers planting trees at planting event

Below is a selection of public and park land that LEAF has naturalized through community tree planting events:

Aurora

Machell Park

Georgina

Thornlodge Park

King

Budweth Park
Doris Patton Park
Hill Farm Park
Kettle Lake Park
King Municipal Buildings
Schomberg Community Farm

Markham

Grandview Park

Oshawa

Central Park
Russett Park

Pickering

Pine Creek

Richmond Hill

Beaver Greenway
Beaver Woodland
Bridgeview Cordone Park
David Hamilton Park
Elgin West Channel Lands
German Mills Park
Humber Flats Eco Park
Meander Park
Sussex Park
Toll Bar Park

Whitby

D'Hillier Park
Rosedale Park

At each planting site, LEAF staff, volunteers and community members worked together to naturalize spaces by introducing native trees and shrubs. After planting, mulch was spread around each tree or shrub to help conserve soil moisture, provide nutrients and deter invasive plant species.

Overhead view of volunteers planting at community park

LEAF partners with local municipalities in York and Durham Regions to identify public lands for naturalization and stewardship. This work has many benefits, including:

Increased food and shelter for wildlife
Increased community green spaces
Increased urban canopy cover

Additionally, we work with our municipal partners to plant in high-impact locations where our efforts will have added benefits, like extending existing wooded areas or improving water filtration around stormwater retention ponds.

Planting events are typically held in the spring and fall. Sites are monitored after planting to ensure plant survival and minimize invasive species competition. Stewardship activities, such as mulching and invasive species removal, are coordinated by LEAF and/or the local municipality.

volunteer planting a tree at a community park

Below is a selection videos, blogs and media releases describing our recent tree planting efforts:

Community Tree Planting Events

Videos:

Blogs:

Media Releases:

Supporting Partners