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 “Full Circle” tree programs launched
From the Tree Seed Collection to the Foster Tree Parent
seedling growing program to Ground Breakers plantings to the Heritage Tree
Hunt, we will be inviting the citizens of Oakville to join us in this effort to
celebrate, protect, nurture and plant a healthy urban forest that will be a
gift to our children and grandchildren.
Please read through our tree programs and think how you
could volunteer to help us grow a healthy urban forest.
Having a healthy urban forest is a key component of having a
healthy community but unfortunately, growth has had a devastating impact on
Oakville’s urban forests.
The good news is our Mayor Rob Burton has made a commitment
to improving our urban forests, promising to increase leaf volume from 29% to
40% by 2057.
As you know, Oakvillegreen takes a proactive approach to
protecting our environment. Since 2004,
Ground Breakers Oakville, a sub-group of Oakvillegreen, has coordinated with
community volunteers to plant more than 4,700 native trees and shrubs. Last
year we launched the first Heritage Tree Hunt. This year we are launching two
new tree programs that will complete our “Full Circle” tree programs, unique to
any community in Canada, that will help the Town meet its tree goals by
enhancing and enlarging our urban forest.
Last year several members of Oakvillegreen took a course, in conjunction with the Town of Oakville, on how to collect tree seed. Now certified seed collectors, these people will collect seed this fall from superior, healthy, mature native trees that were identified during last year’s Heritage Tree Hunt. The seed will be turned over to the Town and to Foster Tree Parents to grow into seedlings.
The Foster Tree Parent Program will recruit Oakville citizens who are willing to grow seedlings in their backyards for 3 to 5 years until they are ready for planting by the Ground Breakers, the Town or by individuals. We hope to be able to grow enough seedlings to provide them free to local homeowners and at a low cost to local businesses and industries who want to renaturalize a portion of their properties. We are also hoping that neighbours of Foster Tree Parents will dig up native tree seedlings that have sprouted “by accident” in their gardens, and give them to Foster Tree Parents to grow for eventual planting.
Founded in 2004, Ground Breakers has planted thousands of native trees and shrubs in every corner of Oakville. Working with residents’ associations, the Rotary Club, faith groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, high school students, historical societies, horticultural associations and many other community group,s these plantings have attracted a large number of Oakville citizens.
Ground Breakers works in partnership with the Town of Oakville and Evergreen Canada and is grateful to the funding for trees and shrubs it has received from TD Friends of the Environment, Walmart, the Community Foundation of Oakville, Boston Pizza and other organizations. Ground Breakers has re-naturalized areas, beautified neighbourhoods and filled parks with trees. Ground Breakers selects sites for tree plantings, coordinates volunteers, provides guidance to do the planting and supplies everything volunteers need (from gloves to shovels).
Approximately eight to 10 plantings occur each year in the spring and fall. This is an excellent program for students looking to earn their volunteer hours in a meaningful way. The program gives citizens an empowering, hands-on way to improve their environment and builds a sense of community by bringing people together from all ages and backgrounds to work collectively. Many people come back each year to “visit” their trees and to watch how they’ve grown and see what a difference they’ve made in their community.
Ground Breakers also provides educational outreach to the community on proper tree planting, tree care and the importance of planting native trees and shrubs.
Last year, Oakvillegreen held its first Heritage Tree Hunt. More than 80 entries were received and the Mayor’s Awards Celebration held at the Town Hall in October provided a wonderful way to honour those who nominated or photographed winning trees.
Oakvillegreen has made the Heritage Tree Hunt an annual event.
The Heritage Tree Hunt engages Oakville residents in a fun activity that educates its participants on the benefits of trees and raises awareness and appreciation for the Town’s natural assets.
An expert panel of judges selects the winners in two categories: Heritage Tree nominations and Best Photo of a Tree submissions. Winners in each category are awarded a Medal of Honour and nominators receive a plaque from the Mayor during the Mayor’s Heritage Tree Awards at Town Hall.
Trees breaking age, height and girth records will be added to the Ontario Forestry Association’s Honour Roll of Ontario Trees. The Heritage Tree Hunt contributes to the Heritage Tree Inventory, developed by the Town of Oakville, where these old, genetically important trees are tracked and used for our seed collection and tree propagation programs.
None of these programs would be possible without the help of volunteers from the community.
If you would like to help with any of these programs please contact Emma Murphy, Manager of Marketing and Public Outreach for Oakvillegreen’s four tree initiatives at: Contact Emma.
Oakvillegreen would like to thank the following groups for their partnership in the tree programs: the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Town of Oakville, the Canadian Forestry Association, the Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance, the Ontario Urban Forest Council and the Oakville Horticultural Society for their help and support of our tree programs.
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