Owners of non-farm rural properties in Mapleton Township can take advantage of a grant program to help them plant trees on their land.
Available to rural landowners with more than one hectare (2.5 acres) of property, the program is targeted at projects that reduce wind erosion, protect groundwater recharge areas, create buffer strips along streams, connect natural areas and create wildlife habitat.
Landowners could receive grants of up to $25 for each tree or shrub, including planting costs. A planting plan is required for properties over one hectare. Applicants may be required to sign an agreement to maintain the trees for 15 years. Projects will be approved by the Trees for Mapleton Committee.
For more information, contact Jessica Robbins, GRCA forestry specialist at jrobbins@grandriver.ca or by phone at 1-866-900-4722, ext. 2277.
Organized by Trees for Mapleton as an initiative to increase the amount of tree cover in the township, the grant program is financed by a donation from NextEra Energy. Trees for Mapleton is also supported by local landowners, the Wellington Green Legacy Program, the Grand River Conservation Authority, Mapleton Township and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The program for non-farm landowners is an addition to the range of programs available in Wellington County. Farmers remain eligible to apply for tree-planting grants through the Rural Water Quality Program.
In the spring of 2015, 13 landowners received $12,937 to plant 4,855 trees in Mapleton on privately owned, non-farm rural land.
