Naturalizing York Region with Native Trees and Shrubs

JUNE 14TH, 2022  – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newmarket, ON - The Regional Municipality of York has partnered with the non-profit organization LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) to plant 2,000 native trees and shrubs on public lands across York Region. These newly-planted species will help grow the urban forest, enhance biodiversity and provide a range of community benefits, from summer cooling to stormwater management.

This year’s naturalization efforts began in the City of Richmond Hill’s Humber Flats Ecopark. Joined by over 50 community volunteers, LEAF planted over 400 native trees and shrubs including white spruce, silver maple and red osier dogwood. In total, 7,900 square metres were greened with native species across five public parks in the Cities of Richmond Hill and Markham and the Township of King this spring. These events were made possible through a longstanding partnership with York Region as well as support from participating cities and towns, Trees For Life, Ontario Power Generation, Tree Canada and LCBO.

To help trees they plant not only survive, but thrive, LEAF is also organizing three stewardship events this summer. Joined by community volunteers, LEAF will visit recent planting sites to remove invasive species and mulch newly-planted species to prevent further growth of invasive plants, restore nutrients and retain water.

Naturalization efforts in York Region will continue into the fall with another community-planting event planned in the Township of King later this year. To learn more about this project or to become involved, visit yourleaf.org/stewardship

Over the past 20 years, York Region’s Greening Strategy has supported planting over 1.7 million trees. For more information on York Region’s Greening Strategy and how residents and other stakeholders can support environmental and sustainable initiatives, please visit york.ca/greening

 

QUOTES:

“We are very proud of the work that has been accomplished with local municipalities to improve the urban forest in York Region by tree planting and stewardship on public lands. This work is essential to mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. To be able to engage with community members through our planting events again this spring has been very impactful for everyone involved.”
— Brian Millward, Acting Community Programs Manager, LEAF

“Together with LEAF, we continue making meaningful progress to increase canopy and woodland cover, supporting a healthier, more resilient natural environment. Through the Regional Greening Strategy and in working with all our partners, this action will help to protect and preserve important green spaces, enhance and rehabilitate natural features and inspire residents to get involved.”
— Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York

“Thanks to our partners at LEAF and dedicated community volunteers, we plant thousands of trees in Richmond Hill each year. We appreciate their contributions to growing our urban forest and helping maintain our status as a proud Tree City of the World.” Mayor David West, City of Richmond Hill.”
— Mayor David West, City of Richmond Hill

“The Township of King has been working in partnership with LEAF for several years to grow King’s forest canopy by engaging community volunteers to help plant native trees and shrubs. Together, we will continue to reach our urban forest goals of increasing canopy cover and supporting biodiversity which will further improve our environment”
— Kathryn McLellan, Environmental Stewardship Outreach Coordinator at the Township of King

“Our goal is to become one of the greenest or most sustainable communities in North America while achieving Net Zero by 2050. We deeply value the outstanding contribution LEAF is making in our community while advancing our goals.”
— Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests): 
Brian Millward, Acting Community Programs Manager
Phone: 416-413-9244 or brian@yourleaf.org 

The Regional Municipality of York: 
Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications Advisor
Phone: 437-997-6821 or melissa.pinto@york.ca 

City of Richmond Hill: 
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca

Township of King: 
Kathryn McLellan, Environmental Stewardship Outreach Coordinator, Community Services
Phone: 905-833-6555 or kmclellan@king.ca

City of Markham:
Kisha Powell, Media Relations & Communications Specialist
kpowell@markham.ca

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