(Friday, July 17, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Toronto, ON – Toronto-based non-profit organization Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) marked its 30th anniversary on July 16 with a community celebration bringing together approximately 100 supporters, partners, volunteers and community members to reflect on three decades of growing healthier urban forests across the Greater Toronto Area.

Held at the Society Clubhouse (967 College Street, Toronto), the evening featured music, food, interactive displays, spoken word performance, guided tours and opportunities for attendees to share stories, photos and reflections on their connection to trees and the urban forest. A youth networking hour earlier in the evening highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future of urban forestry.

The celebration brought together generations of LEAF supporters, including long standing volunteers, program participants, donors, municipal partners, staff and community members, all recognizing the collective effort that has shaped the organization’s impact since its founding in 1996.

“For 30 years, we have engaged communities in nurturing the urban forest through planting, stewardship and education,” said Janet McKay, Founder and Executive Director of LEAF. “Each person who has been part of our journey has contributed to healthier, greener communities where people and nature can thrive.”

Three decades of community driven urban forest growth

In 1996, Janet McKay launched a small sapling distribution project in Toronto to help residents plant native trees. Early challenges with tree survival led to the development of the Backyard Tree Planting Program in 1996, where trained youth teams supported residents with proper tree selection, placement and planting. This approach significantly improved tree survival rates and laid the foundation for what would become LEAF.

As interest grew, so did the organization. Community tree planting events in public spaces were introduced in 2004, followed by educational programming in 2006, including the Tree Tenders Training Program and guided Tree Tours. Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens were established in 2010, and youth leadership initiatives such as the Young Urban Forest Leaders Program were introduced in 2015.

Today, LEAF delivers programs across Toronto, York Region and Durham Region, engaging thousands of participants each year in planting, stewardship and education programs that support a healthier urban forest.

 Over the past 30 years, LEAF has achieved the following impact:

  • 75,000+ trees and shrubs planted across Toronto, York Region and Durham Region communities
  • 70,000+ community members engaged through planting programs, educational events and urban forest initiatives
  • 3,500+ volunteers contributing more than 22,000 hours to growing and caring for the urban forest
  • 1,300+ educational programs, workshops, tours and community events delivered

Looking ahead

As LEAF reflects on its 30th anniversary, the organization remains focused on its mission to engage communities in nurturing the urban forest through planting, stewardship and education, fostering connections between people and nature.

Looking to the future, LEAF will move toward reconciliation through Indigenous partnerships and collaboration, and will focus efforts to better serve folks living in areas of low tree canopy.  “We envision communities where nature thrives, and everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest,” McKay said.