City’s Urban Forest Grows With 'Trees 4 Peterborough' Event

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The City of Peterborough got a little greener with their ‘Trees 4 Peterborough’ event by planting 520 trees at Bears Creek Woods Park on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Event sponsors RBC, the Excelsior Group, Peterborough Homes and Merritt Home Hardware; support from GreenUp and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peterborough took part in the event.

500 potted trees and 20 larger calliper trees were planted with help from community volunteers, members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough and students from the Trent University Community Research Centre.

The investment in the City’s urban forest canopy was the result of sponsorship by RBC Dominion Securities of $10,000 and donations from The Excelsior Group of $5,000, and from Peterborough Homes of $2,500 and Merritt Home Hardware, who lent a drill for the planting.

“Trees 4 Peterborough has evolved into a wonderful community project and we sincerely thank our partners,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “These 520 new trees, in addition to the City’s yearly complement, are most welcome.”

Urban trees provide many benefits, including reducing flooding, improving air quality, reducing heat build-up in the City, positive impacts on mental and physical health and mitigating climate change according to the City. One tree with a diameter of 15 centimetres can absorb 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide and intercept almost 2,000 litres of yearly rainfall. 

“A variety of maples, oaks, spruce and other trees native to our zone have been planted for an authentic look and resilience,” said Parnell. “Special thanks to our urban forestry team at the City of Peterborough for their tireless efforts.”

RBC Dominion Securities started the initiative with a five-year, $50,000 commitment through the RBC Foundation.

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Hydro One And The City of Peterborough Plant 500 Trees In Ashburnham Memorial Park To Restore Urban Canopy From Last May's Derecho

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During Canadian Environment Week, Hydro One and the City of Peterborough helped plant 500 trees at Ashburnham Memorial Park on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the derecho on Wednesday morning.

Jenn McCallum, co-founder of the Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group, her dog Blitz and her group of volunteers helping Hydro One and The City of Peterborough plant 500 trees in Ashburnham Memorial Park to help restore the city’s urban canopy after last year’s derecho. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several volunteers from the Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group were on site also lending a hand. Councillors Joy Lachica, Gary Baldwin and Kieth Riel were also in attendance for the event.

Students were originally invited to aid in the tree planting but the air quality conditions were deemed unsafe for the kids to participate.

Hydro One had worked around the clock in order to restore power and help offset any damage caused by the storm. It inspired the company to do something positive for the community according to Teri French, Hydro One executive vice president.

“After the May long-weekend storm last year, I saw first-hand the devastation to the community of Peterborough,” she said. “Responding to this initiative, this tree planting provides such a great benefit for the community and the environment.”

The trees came from Hydro One’s community investment team which was able to supply the funding.

French says this tree planting is more important than ever now than ever before considering the benefits they give and seeing the latest weather conditions in Peterborough and beyond.

“Climate change especially over the last couple days, I think we've realized the importance that providing an urban canopy provides for communities,” she explained.

The City also ran a tree giveaway on Wednesday afternoon shortly after the event. All 250 trees were given away as the City thanked everyone who came out to pick one up according to a Twitter post.

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Tree Canada, LCBO and Otonabee Conservation Work to Enhance Habitat at New Peterborough Animal Care Centre

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20 volunteers planted over 150 trees and shrubs at the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Friday; made possible through a $10,000 grant from Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grant program and support from project sponsor LCBO.

Local LCBO employees and volunteers from Otonabee Conservation joined staff and volunteers from the Peterborough Humane Society. Pine Needle Farms also came in advance of the event and installed large trees on the property, located at 1999 Technology Drive.

Over 150 native species were planted, including Dogwood, Pussy Willow and Ninebark. These trees and shrubs will support natural diversity, help to mitigate climate change, and help to filter rainwater that flows to the stormwater retention pond and from the adjacent parking lot.

“Partnerships like this one with LCBO along with Tree Canada, Otonabee Conservation, and the 20 plus volunteers that came out to lend a hand with this initiative, makes such a positive impact on our new Centre, while also supporting our environment.” shared Shawn Morey, executive director of Peterborough Humane Society. “It truly means the world to us to see our community come together and put their own sweat and effort into this project.”

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments, in every province across the country. To date, with their partners and sponsors, they have planted more than 84 million trees. Nurturing urban and rural forestry not only sustains Canada’s proud heritage of biodiversity and natural beauty, but also creates a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.

“The protection of our urban forests is as crucial as ever, and it is through partnerships such as these that we can positively influence the health of urban trees and the communities that rely on them,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. “Through the support of LCBO and Otonabee Conservation, together we can grow better places to live for Canadians one tree at a time.”

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Residents in the Otonabee Region Watershed Plant Over 12,000 Trees This Spring

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This year Otonabee Conservation’s Tree Seedling Sales program received 109 orders from property owners across the watershed, and residents ordered over 12,075 native trees and shrubs that were planted throughout the region.

Meredith Carter, Manager of Watershed Management Program (left) and Candace Clark, Watershed Biologist (right) take inventory of tree seedlings as they were distributed to local residents who purchased bulk tree seedings through Otonabee Conservation this spring. photo courtesy of otonabee conservation.

Each year, Otonabee Conservation encourages landowners to enhance their property, increase biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts by planting trees. The Conservation Authority offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species for landowners to purchase at affordable prices, thanks to a subsidy provided by Forests Ontario.

“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment. Trees provide shade that can provide cooling for our homes, watercourses, and greenspaces,” explains Meredith Carter, manager of the Watershed Management Program at Otonabee Conservation. “This year, many people are replacing trees that were damaged or destroyed in the May 2022 Derecho, while others were planting trees to enhance their property. These are all great reasons to plant trees, and the seedlings planting this spring will sequester over 2.5 million kilograms of Carbon over their lifetime.”

Mitigating climate change is one positive outcome of planting trees. Trees also provide clean air, and spending time in forests has physical and mental health benefits. Landowners also plant trees to protect water quality in rivers and streams, provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, and add to the health of our communities by purifying the air and enhancing the environment that surrounds us.

Each year, Otonabee Conservation’s Tree Seedling Sales are available starting in January. Otonabee Conservation also works with local landowners and community partners throughout the year to plant trees on private and public properties.

For more information, visit the website.

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Peterborough and District Wapiti Metis Council and Otonabee Conservation Plant Trees to Rehabilitate Gravel Pit in Ennismore

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Volunteers from the Metis Nation of Ontario (Peterborough & District Wapiti Metis Council) planted 450 native trees with Otonabee Conservation at a gravel pit in the Township of Selwyn on Sunday.

A variety of native species were planted, including Eastern White Cedar, White Spruce, Tamarack and White Pine. These trees will enhance habitat and increase biodiversity as part of ongoing rehabilitation of a site currently used for aggregate extraction. 

“This is a really great opportunity for Metis citizens and families to collaborate with Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and the community” said Christa Lemelin, president of the Peterborough and District Wapiti Metis Council. “Many of our citizens live in urban areas outside of their traditional territories, so this is an opportunity for them to connect with the land, to give thanks for the important resources that this property once provided to this area, and to get their hands dirty to help rehabilitate the property for future generations.”

Students from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) and Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) planted 750 trees at the same site last week, bringing the total of trees planted at the gravel pit site to 4,556.

The tree plantings were funded by Tree Canada and One Tree Planted, in partnership with Otonabee Conservation and the Township of Selwyn.

“We are pleased to work together on efforts to rehabilitate and naturalize this site while also collectively contributing to climate change mitigation efforts in our watershed,” said Janette Loveys Smith, CAO/secretary-treasurer at Otonabee Conservation.

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Trees and Shrubbery Planted at New Peterborough Humane Society Animal Care Centre

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Siemens Canada, Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation enhanced habitat at the new Peterborough Humane Society Animal Care Centre grounds with the planting of over 160 native trees and shrubbery on Thursday.

File photo.

Siemens Canada employees in Peterborough planted the native trees and shrubs in partnership with Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation at the new Peterborough Humane Society Animal Care Centre.

A variety of native species of trees and shrubs including White Spruce, Ninebark, Serviceberry, Red Osier Dogwood, White Pine and Pussy Willow will increase species diversity and enhance habitat for local wildlife in the area adjacent to the off-leash dog park and outdoor animal runs.

“The protection of our urban forests is as crucial as ever, and it is through partnerships such as these that we can positively influence the health of urban trees and the health of the communities that rely on them,” said Nicole Hurtubise, Tree Canada CEO. “Through the support of Siemens Canada and Otonabee Conservation, together we can grow better places to live for Canadians one tree at a time.”

For over a decade, Siemens Canada, Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation have collaborated to enhance the habitat around the watershed community in the City of Peterborough.

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments, in every province across the country. To date, with their community partners and sponsors, they have planted more than 84 million trees.

“Since 2010 Siemens employees have planted thousands of trees in the Peterborough area, and overall more than 16,000 trees across Canada,” said Ian Almond from Siemens Canada. “Helping to beautify the community we live and work in and contributing to a more sustainable future is an honour and we’re grateful to our partners who help make it happen.”

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GreenUp Plants Five Food Forests In Celebration of Its 30th Anniversary

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Peterborough GreenUP and Nourish continued their planting of one of five mini-food forests throughout Peterborough communities at Jackson Creek on Tuesday.

Volunteers gathered on the rainy Tuesday afternoon to plant fruit trees. Photo by Felicia Massey.

Food forests containing 25 trees, 20 shrubs and 25 native non-woody plants have been planted at five locations throughout five neighbourhoods including Kawartha Heights, East City Curtis Creek, Downtown Jackson Creek, Talwood and Jackson Park Brookdale.

“GreenUp is presently celebrating our 30th anniversary, projects like this one are a perfect example of how it takes time and careful stewardship to bring community vision to fruition,” said Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director.  “Everyone at GreenUp is exceptionally proud of our success in working to bring the interests of local residents and the City together and grateful to all the donors and supporters who have helped us to get here.”

GreenUp and Nourish have been collaborating on a number of Growing Together While Apart projects supported by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to create more accessible public spaces.

With support from Arbor Day Foundation and the TD Bank Green Space program, Growing Edible Infrastructure hosted five fruit planting and skill-sharing events. They have planted 25 fruit trees and certified ten people in Beginner Fruit Tree Care through the TD Green Space Grant.

“Green spaces are the foundation to creating more livable, healthier cities so it’s imperative to focus and invest in creating more equitable access to these spaces,” said Janice Farrell Jones, TD senior vice president.

Funding for the tree planting came through a $25,000 Green Space Grant from TD Bank Group and the Arbor Day Foundation. Peterborough is one of just 20 North American cities to receive the grant.

The organization is helping anyone who signed up to help care for the five mini food forests.

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Otonabee Conservation To Plant Over 30,000 Trees For National Forest Week

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Otonabee Conservation is celebrating National Forest Week by planting over 30,000 trees and shrubs this fall season.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

National Forest Week from Sept. 18-24 encourages Canadians to learn more about forest heritage and increases awareness about the value of forests as a fundamental part of our culture, traditions, economy and history.

Each year, Otonabee Conservation celebrates with tree plantings across the watershed. Plantings will take place through the fall season, not just during National Forest Week.

The Otonabee Conservation will plant over 30,000 trees and shrubs with the help of a number of community partners, including including City of Peterborough, Township of Douro-Dummer, Selwyn Township, Siemens Canada, NEFAB, Skyline Developments, LCBO, Peterborough Humane Society and students from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board secondary schools.

These plantings are supported financially through Tree Canada, TD Canada Trust and One Tree Planted.

“We are looking forward to coming together with hundreds of community members and students to plant trees across the watershed this fall,” said Otonabee Conservation CAO Janette Loveys Smith. “Trees provide many benefits to us each day, and as they grow, they provide us with a natural climate change solution.”

Planting trees helps regulate temperatures and provides shelter to wildlife.

Trees filter the air we breathe, capture carbon dioxide mitigating climate change and stabilize the ground preventing erosion and reducing stormwater runoff/ flooding.

For more information visit the Otonabee Conservation website.

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Farmcrest Park To Receive 620 Planted Trees Funded Through Community Donations

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The City of Peterborough is planting 620 new trees in Farmcrest Park on Sept. 24 after receiving several community donations announced on Thursday.

File photo.

Organizations such as RBC Dominion Securities, the Excelsior Group, Peterborough Homes, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and GreenUP helped provide funding and/or volunteers for the urban forest project.

The planting is part of the City’s Urban Forest Strategic Plan and is in addition to the City’s regular tree planting program which sees about 400 trees planted annually.

“This has evolved into a wonderful community project and we sincerely thank our partners,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s arenas, parks and recreation portfolio. “These 620 new trees, in addition to the City’s yearly complement, are most welcome.”

RBC started the initiative with a generous donation of $10,000 through the RBC Foundation.

“We are committed to helping our communities thrive by supporting initiatives such as the City of Peterborough’s Sustainable Community Project,” says Graham Culp, branch director. “This project aligns to our existing commitment to greening communities. Since 2020, we have planted 25,000 trees through Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, as our way of saying thanks to our clients who have switched to paperless statements.”

A GTA-based development company The Excelsior Group contributed $5,000 to the tree planting initiative after participating in a similar event held last year in Rotary Park.

“Excelsior Group is extremely proud to be supporting this initiative. By planting trees, not only are we enriching our environment and surrounding community but we are planting hope for the future,” said Satish Thakkar, president/C.E.O. of Excelsior Group “As trees act as a vessel for supporting life on earth, this initiative supports our mission to Build Inspiring Spaces.”

Volunteers from RBC and the Rotary Club of Peterborough will get digging to plant the new trees. The plantings will be adjacent to the off-leash dog park with some larger trees adjacent to the parking lot area and along the pathway.

“The Rotary Club of Peterborough was the catalyst behind the Farmcrest off-leash dog park,” says Kevin Duguay, former Rotary Club president. “We are now pleased to partner with RBC Dominion Securities, the Excelsior Group, Peterborough Homes, the Rotary Club of Peterborough, and GreenUP to introduce over 600 trees in the Farmcrest Park and enhance the area.”

Any wanting to volunteer can complete the online registration form for one of the following three timeslots at www.peterborough.ca/TreesforPTBO:

“Planting a tree is the simplest way to mitigate climate change. Donations, partnerships and public education are all needed to protect our urban forest canopy.,” said Michael Papadacos, the City’s manager of infrastructure management. “The City’s urban forest has lost approximately 10 per cent of its canopy in the last five years and that was prior to the devastating impact the May derecho had on our urban forest. Planting new trees is a high priority.”

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Local School Spruces Its Anniversary With Tree Planting From $3,500 Grant

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Over 50 volunteers of students, faculty and sponsors planted 40 white spruce trees around their campus with a $3,500 grant in celebration of Kawartha Montessori School’s 40th anniversary on Saturday morning.

Kawartha Montessori School students Jenna Quinn (left), 14 and Esther van Oostveen (right), 6, digging up dirt to plant one of 40 white spruce trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The trees run along both sides of the school and beside Highway 7. Added forestry for the school acts as a natural sound guard, decreases outside distractions for students and beautifies the campus among several other benefits according to Celia Johnstone, Tree Canada community advisor.

"It's a very exposed windy site," she said. "The schoolyard is very exposed so it provides good protection from the wind. There are also shade trees, provide the clean air as we breathe and mitigate the greenhouse effect."

"Having our school on this beautiful 10-acre property, we enrich our academic curriculum daily using the outdoors," said Carolyn Donaldson, Montessori principal. "From a very young age, having these students know that giving back to the environment is so important."

Students planted eight trees on Friday with a total of 48 planted. The ordeal was a positive experience for the school as it was the first community activity they could hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just so great to plant so many trees to help the environment and to impact future generations here,” said Jenna Quinn, 14, grade 8 Montessori student. "It's such a beautiful campus and it's great to have trees out here."

The $3,500 came from the Community Tree Grant by Tree Canada with UPS providing the money as the sponsor. It is given annually with eligibility spreading across Canada.

An application was submitted in the fall by a school community member according to Johnstone.

Snacks such as cookies and muffins with refreshments were made by Montessori students and were served at the tree-planting event.

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