Champion of Trees: An Update on Toronto's Tree Planting and Stewardship Programs

This year, the City of Toronto was presented with the 2020 Champion of Trees Award by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of our leadership in urban forestry. The Arbor Day Awards celebrate individuals and organizations worldwide for their outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation, and stewardship.  
 
At City Hall, I have consistently championed strategies to better protect and enhance our tree canopy, both in Ward 15 and across Toronto. My work tightening up our tree protection bylaws and prioritizing our valuable greenspaces has strengthened the City's existing Tree Planting Strategy, which aims to increase canopy coverage to 40 percent by 2050.
 
The City of Toronto has one of Canada's most extensive urban forestry programs – in fact, the City has planted more than one million trees since 2005. This accomplishment comes as a direct result of our many initiatives that aim to improve the health of the environment and expand our urban forest.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tree planting and stewardship events were unfortunately cancelled this past spring. However, I'm pleased to share that Green Toronto will be running a modified version of its volunteer tree planting events this fall. These programs provide Torontonians with an excellent opportunity to learn more about native trees, shrubs, and invasive species, and proper planting techniques.
 
The modified events are being held in parks and green spaces across the City and will ensure proper social and physical distancing by requesting interested volunteers to register in advance. Enhanced COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
 
One of these tree planting events will be held in Ward 15 on Thursday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our very own Sherwood Park. To register in advance and secure your spot, please send an email to greentoronto@toronto.ca with your name, and indicate which event you would like to attend. You can find a full list of events here.

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On a related note, I'm excited to announce that this fall, Urban Forestry is planting 2830 native trees and 3855 native shrubs across five parks in Ward 15:

  • Crothers Woods

  • E.T. Seaton Park

  • Sherwood Park

  • Sunnybrook Park

  • Windfields Park

As your local Councillor, I will continue to work with City staff and neighbourhood residents to identify tree planting opportunities in our communities. Our ever-growing Ward 15 tree canopy is helping to improve biodiversity, restore the native plant community, and prevent soil erosion, all while making our neighbourhoods healthier, more livable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Environment, Ward 15Jaye Robinsontrees, Environment.