It's a simple idea that continues to grow.
In 2004, 10 years ago, for the 150th anniversary of Wellington County, a simple idea to plant 150,000 trees to celebrate the occasion was implemented.
That idea continues to grow each and every year and by 2014 the Green Legacy program will have given out and planted over 1.7 million trees. Imagine what a benefit those trees are to the county, the township and the environment.
Green Legacy has become a household name in the county and once again, on April 26, residents of Mapleton will get a chance to pick up trees to plant on their properties that will leave a legacy for residents now and in the future.
Rob Johnson, Green Legacy manager, loves his job and enjoys seeing the pride of both young and old with big smiles on their faces as they take tremendous pride in planting and looking after the trees. The Green Legacy program operates two nurseries in the county and provides opportunities for students in the county from kindergarten to Grade 8.
Kindergarten to Grade 3 students grow the trees from seed in their classrooms, Grade 4 to 6 come to the nursery for the day to help grow the trees and do a curriculum-connected interpretive nature hike, and students in Grade 7 and 8 go tree planting in the county.
The Green Legacy program provides larger trees to municipalities for parks, street trees and other uses free of charge.
Green Legacy has been recognized by the United Nations for its efforts to help in the fight against climate change. Green Legacy is a valued partner in the Trees for Mapleton committee along with local conservation authorities, local landowners, Drayton Kinsmen, stewardship council and the Township of Mapleton.
Green Legacy continues to compliment the Grand River Conservation Authority tree planting program that has been helping landowners plant trees in the watershed for 60 years. Landowners with more than 2.5 acres who would like assistance with planning and planting trees on their property should contact Mark Funk, Trees for Mapleton’s forestry specialist, at 519-621-2763 ext. 2259 or mfunk@grandriver.ca
For further information on the Green Legacy program go to www.wellington.ca/en/discover/greenlegacyprogramme.asp. Book your Green Legacy trees for April 26 by contacting the township office at 519-638-3313.
Mapleton residents are very fortunate to have Green Legacy and Trees for Mapleton supporting tree planting in the township.
If you have not planted tress before, start a new tradition. You will be glad you did.
