The community that plants together, grows together! On May 4th, Trees Ontario and local planting partner Rideau Valley Conservation Authority will host a free community tree planting event in Ottawa, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants of all ages are welcome to attend the annual Community Planting Weekend, which will take place in Chanonhouse Park (Richmond Conservation Area), located at 30 Chanonhouse Drive in Richmond. Pre-registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Hosted in conjunction with supporting sponsors CAA North & East Ontario and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, the 
day will bring together families, community members and volunteers, who will take part in a tree planting activity promoting environmental awareness.
Trees Ontario, the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America, launched the event four years ago as a way to engage communities in supporting a local reforestation project and learn about the benefits of trees, shade and green urban spaces.
Last year, the event, which is hosted in several locations across the province, drew together more than 550 volunteers and a total of 3,275 trees were planted.
The events are held rain or shine and participants are asked to bring a shovel and gardening gloves. Trees Ontario and its partners will supply the rest – the trees, forestry specialists, mulch and snacks. Appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes (steel toe if possible), a hat and sunscreen are recommended.
Trees Ontario’s Community Planting Weekend has become an annual tree planting tradition for local residents of all ages. Pre-registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome.
In addition to helping re-green the local community, this event will help contribute to the 50 Million Tree program, a government initiative administered by Trees Ontario with the mandate of planting 50 million trees in Ontario by 2025. The program provides significant subsidies to landowners to plant trees on their property, explains Robert Keen, CEO of Trees Ontario, who will be in attendance at the Ottawa location this year.
“Whether tree planting for recreation, enhanced wildlife habitat or for environmental reasons, the subsidies and services offered through Trees Ontario and our partners offer landowners the opportunity to plant trees today that will contribute to our future health, economy and society,” said Keen.
To learn more about the Community Tree Planting event, including parking information, a location map and directions, visit www.treesontario.ca. You can also reach Trees Ontario by phone at 1.877.646.1193 (toll free) or email: info@treesontario.ca.
