A not-for-profit organization is aiming to make Canada greener by planting more than 74,000 new trees this fall.
Canadian non-profit organization Trees For Life is hosting a series of tree-planting events in the following weeks, hoping to add thousands of plants across the country.
The events will take place across seven Canadian provinces, and officially kicked off on Wednesday in Kemptville, ON.
In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone between Oct. 18–19, the organization is planting more than 3,500 trees.
Following events in Ontario include :
- October 18:
- MAPLE: North Maple Regional Park (11085 Keele St., Maple);
- WHITBY: Heber Down Conservation Area (5000 Cochrane St, Whitby).
- October 19: MARKHAM: Robinson Creek (375 Stonebridge Dr., Markham);
- October 20: OTTAWA: University of Ottawa (75 Laurier Ave. E.);
- October 25: WILLOW BEACH: Clear Water Farm (1614 Metro Rd. N.);
- October 28: STOUFFVILLE: Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park (3291 Stouffville Rd.);
- November 1:
- AURORA: Stewart Burnett Park (1396 Wellington St. E.);
- STOUFFVILLE: Madori Park (Millard St.);
- November 5: VAUGHAN: Boyd Conservation Park (8739 Islington Ave.).
Trees for Life is currently seeking volunteers and local partners across the country to contribute to its ongoing fall project. Those who wish to contribute as volunteers or donate to the project can visit the organization’s website here.
The Trees for Life team will also be running at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, as a partner of the Canada Running Series (CRS). Spectators can support the team by visiting raceroster.com.
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WHY PLANT TREES?
With Canada now facing the effects of climate change with wildfires and record-breaking temperatures, the organization hopes the new trees can help cool off neighbourhoods and reduce carbon emissions.
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Planting trees is one of the most affordable and feasible ways to address climate change, according to Trees for Life’s Executive Director Marina Dimitriadis.
Since trees absorb carbon dioxide, they are important in filtering pollutants, helping to clean up air, which reduces climate impacts and improves air quality in communities. Shade provided by trees also helps cool off neighbourhoods and streets, reducing the urban heat island effect which is a phenomenon that explains that reduced vegetation and more pavement makes cities warmer than surrounding rural areas.
In addition, Dimitriadis says trees also provide a series of health benefits to cities’ residents, given they improve air quality, reduce stress, and encourage more physical activity.
Although fall’s dropping temperatures contribute to falling leaves and less vivid flowers, Dimitriadis also explained this time of the year is the best time to plant new trees.
Fall’s cooler temperatures help reduce stress on the new plants and help their roots get established before winter comes. The practice also reduces costs and maintenance efforts compared to summer planting, given that plants need less resources and water to grow.
“Once winter hits, trees go dormant in the frozen ground, and when spring arrives, the winter thaw hydrates the soil, further supporting root growth. This head start helps trees become more resilient to heat and drought before summer heatwaves, making fall planting the easier and more cost-effective option,” Dimitriadis added.
Trees for Life has been planting trees across Canada since its 10th anniversary in 2015. Since then, the organization has planted more than 3.34 million trees in urban and suburban areas.
According to Dimitriadis, the organization also works with partners, municipalities and conservation authorities to monitor and maintain the trees after they are planted, targeting a minimum 80 per cent survival rate for newly-planted trees.
“Partners must submit survival assessments annually during this period so we can ensure the trees are in good health and have an opportunity to get established,” she said.
