It started as a simple idea.
Wellington County set out to plant 150,000 trees in 2004 to celebrate its 150th anniversary, and make Wellington a little greener.
Fast forward to 2010, and one million trees have been planted under the Green Legacy program, making it the largest municipal tree planting program in North America. The community driven project plants over 156,000 trees annually.
On Oct. 3 the one millionth tree will be planted at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, in an event coinciding with the annual Harvest Home Festival. The Harvest Home Festival runs from noon to 4pm, and admission in $2. The one millionth tree will be planted at 1:30pm by political dignitaries and community volunteers. The county has also invited its community partners.
Rob Johnson, Green Legacy tree nursery manager, will be running 100km, from one end of the county to the other, to celebrate the one millionth tree and bring awareness to the program. He will be starting his run in Mount Forest, stopping at the museum for the ceremonial planting and finishing his run at the Green Legacy nursery in Puslinch Township.
“The one millionth tree honours and celebrates the individuals, organizations and companies who have made this milestone possible,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “Much of the Green Legacy program’s success is made possible by our partners and volunteers, who are committed to enhancing the environment.”
Councillor and planning committee chairman Walter Trachsel added, “This celebratory planting is one of many local environmental milestones. We’re just getting started.”
Johnson said by running 100kms in one day he hopes to bring awareness to the Green Legacy and “inspire the community to plant at least ten trees per person every year,” which would mean almost one million trees planted annually.
The one millionth tree will be planted on the lawn of the Wellington County Museum and Archives, adjacent to the first Green Legacy tree, which was planted in 2004.
