|
|
|
|
  |
Province teams with Evergreen in $1 million tree planting partnership
The Forest City was a suitable location for the announcement of a funding initiative announced Wednesday (Aug. 22) by Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay. Ramsay announced that the province, working in partnership with Evergreen, a non-profit environmental organization, will invest $1 million over two years, in a province-wide program to support the planting of 100,000 trees. The planting of native trees in urban areas means cleaner, healthier cities that are fighting the effects of climate change, said Ramsay. "Trees clean the air and water, provide shade and wind protection, supply habitat for birds and wildlife and make our cities beautiful. Supporting tree planting on publicly accessible land will expand our urban forests and reduce the effects of climate change on Ontario's cities," he said. Evergreen works with people to create and sustain healthy, natural outdoor spaces in cities. Working with the province, the program will plant the trees in areas such as parklands, conservation areas, publicly accessible corporate lands, industrial parks, university campuses, hospital grounds, road allowances, boulevards and medians. Evergreen will grant funds to groups for the purchase of trees native to Ontario, facilitate tree plantings, and provide education and outreach to involve community volunteers and citizens in tree planting. As well, the program will work with existing provincial partners involved in tree planting and environmental initiatives such as stewardship councils for advice and support. "Evergreen works with hundreds of communities and schools across Ontario to bring nature back to our cities," said Geoff Cape, executive director, Evergreen. The organization, he continued, focuses on educating people through direct participation. "By planting a tree, individuals can see they are making a difference, which leads them to other ways they can improve their local environment. "It's a sustainable model with long-term impact, which is why Evergreen is delighted to partner with the Province of Ontario to address climate change through individual and community action," said Cape. Proposals to Evergreen for grants will be required to demonstrate: *Good matching of tree species to the site, good care of trees after planting, and regular monitoring of planting sites *Significant numbers of native trees planted *Engagement of the community in tree planting, and for tree planting around buildings, a focus on improving energy conservation, where feasible, through the placement of trees and choice of species to provide shade in summer and sun penetration in winter. "The planting of urban trees is one more important element in our government's overall plan to fight climate change," said Environment Minister Laurel Broten. "Urban trees capture carbon, improve air quality and help prevent cities from becoming heat islands. It's a simple, natural strategy, yet it benefits us in so many ways over the long term," she said. Other initiatives include: *Planting 50 million trees in southern Ontario by 2020 *Making $220 million in loans and grants available to help municipalities reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving and retrofitting buildings *Setting ambitious but realistic targets to reduce greenhouse gases below 1990 levels - six per cent by 2014, 15 per cent by 2020 and an 80 per cent reduction by 2050. |
Submit Comment:
More Headlines
|
|
|