CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington Township and Neighbourwoods volunteers came out to plant trees over the past two weekends.
The May 6 and 13 events were spearheaded by Centre Wellington landscape architect and urban forestry project manager Mathieu Alain, and Monique Lee of Neighbourwoods.
There have been three tree plants so far this year arranged by Alain.
On May 6, participants planted saplings at Scotland Street and Belsyde Avenue in Fergus.
On May 13, 65 potted trees and shrubs were planted along the Trestle Bridge Trail in Elora.
Buckthorn, an invasive plant that threatens surrounding native plant life, was removed along the trail as well.
“We’re actually here because we had to remove approximately 30 dead elm trees that had succumbed to Dutch elm disease” said Alain.
“So, we’re just trying to fill in those holes in the canopy with hardy native species instead of allowing it to fill in with more buckthorn.”
“These events are really to promote environmental education.
“We want people to feel ownership for their public spaces, so they want to contribute in keeping them healthy.”
Neighbourwoods officials say they are grateful for the “tremendous volunteers” that keep coming out to these events.
“Everybody’s enthusiastic, everybody’s coming prepared,” said Lee.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Neighbourwoods can visit eloraenvironmentcentre.ca.