KING, ON – October 9, 2025 – Local volunteers joined LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), Trees for Life, King Township and The Regional Municipality of York on Saturday, October 4, 2025 to plant native trees and shrubs in Dean Plummer Park in Nobleton. The event was part of a community-wide effort to strengthen natural infrastructure at a time when hotter summers, heavier rainfalls and the need for resilient green spaces are top of mind.

The planting brought together residents of all ages who rolled up their sleeves to create a healthier future for their community. Species such as sugar maple, bur oak and fragrant sumac were chosen to provide shade, improve air quality, manage stormwater and create habitat for local wildlife.

This year’s efforts are part of a 2025 goal to plant 1,600 trees and shrubs across King Township. With 600 already planted in the spring, another 500 added on October 4 and 500 more planned for later this fall, the community is making steady progress toward a greener, healthier future.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of the Township of King, York Region and LEAF to grow the urban forest canopy. Since 2011, support from York Region and other partners has resulted in over 23,000 native trees and shrubs being planted through LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program and Community Planting events.

Over the past 20 years, York Region’s Greening Strategy has supported the planting of 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

Residents are encouraged to take part in upcoming planting events across York Region. To learn more or register, visit www.yourleaf.org/events.

Tree planting efforts in King were made possible by the funding and support of Trees for Life, King Township and York Region through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

 

QUOTES

York Region continues to advance its Greening Strategy with almost 124,000 native trees and shrubs planted last year to expand canopy and woodland cover, an achievement made possible through our ongoing collaboration with LEAF and local cities and towns. These efforts contribute to a sustainable future by delivering lasting environmental, economic and health benefits. As we adapt to evolving climate conditions, we remain committed to protecting vital green space, strengthening ecological resilience and encouraging the health of our forests for generations to come.

  • Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York

 

The Township of King has been working in partnership with LEAF for several years to grow King’s forest canopy. Together, we have engaged a number of community volunteers and environmental enthusiasts to help plant native trees and shrubs across the Township. With the help of LEAF and our volunteers, we continue working towards our goals of increasing canopy cover, enhancing our urban forests, and supporting biodiversity, all of which will protect and maintain the natural environment here in King.

  • Steve Pellegrini, Mayor, King Township

 

Trees for Life is so proud to work alongside York Region, King Township, and LEAF on this meaningful project. Every tree we plant together is a little piece of hope - a step toward a healthier, more climate-resilient future. What makes it truly special is seeing people come together to take action for the environment right in their own community.

  • Marina Dimitriadis, Executive Director, Trees for Life

 

We’re so grateful to York Region, King Township and all the residents who came out to plant with us. Seeing families and neighbors work together shows how much this community cares about their environment. These plantings are more than just beautiful additions to the park. They also help manage stormwater, reduce urban heat and provide habitat for wildlife, making the community more resilient to climate change.

  • Brian Millward, Community Programs Manager, LEAF

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

 

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK:

Melissa Pinto

Corporate Communications Advisor

437-997-6821 | Melissa.pinto@york.ca

 

THE TOWNSHIP OF KING:

Andrea Gyarmati

Manager of Communications & Public Engagement

Phone: 416-420-7492| agyarmati@king.ca

 

TREES FOR LIFE:

Josh McIntyre

Communications & Fundraising Manager

416-303-9706 | josh@treesforlife.ca

 

LEAF:

Justin Lewis

Marketing and Communications Lead

416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org