Communities across Wellington County continue to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Green Legacy Program and its impact on local residents.
On Nov. 5 Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever noted that Mark Van Patter is manager of planning and environment at the county – as well as chairman of the Green Legacy Program.
Van Patter told council members and those in the audience about the 10th anniversary of the Green Legacy Program.
He presented the municipality with a bronze plaque as he outlined the history and its operation.
“We thought it would be a good time for a celebration because we’re 10 years into it,” said Van Patter.
The program began in 2004 and in 2006 the first tree nursery was built at the Little Tract in Puslinch. In 2010, the same year Green Legacy planted its one millionth tree, the program was recognized by the United Nations.
In 2012 another tree nursery was built near Damascus in Wellington North.
“The local municipalities have helped us a lot since the start,” said Van Patter, explaining the tree distribution role of local municipalities. “It’s the one time of year I get to drive a truck around.”
He believes the tree distribution does much to get local residents involved.
“And part of the idea of the Green Legacy Program is to get public engagement. We feel that just as important as the trees is the idea of community involvement.”
He said it is amazing how much the tree nursery program engages member of the public. Van Patter said the school program involved 37 schools last year and roughly 10,000 students.
“They’re all getting some experience with environmentalism and trees. We’re hoping to change the land ethic for a lot of people,” he said.
Van Patter suspected that in 20 to 25 years, Wellington County will look different from other counties in the province because of the number of trees, which is “a very positive thing.”
In response to councillor Ken Roth’s question regarding the location of the Green Legacy trees, Van Patter said the trees are planted across the county.
“Most of them are on private lands where an individual wants to plant trees, but also on some public lands as well.”
He noted nursery manager Rob Johnson is a key player in Green Legacy operations as he finds locations to plant trees with school groups.
Councillor Wayne Stokley thanked Van Patter for his efforts in the program.
Stokley said the program is a great thing for local residents.
“(The tree distribution day) is an event people put on their calendars.” He noted his own grandchildren, who attend school in Aberfoyle, are actively involved in the programs.
“Even the Friends of Mill Creek have done some tree planting in behind the community centre. There are a lot of groups involved and the program has done a fantastic job and Wellington County is reaping the benefits.”
Mayor Dennis Lever said a lot of people tend to think of the program as one that involves very small trees.
Lever said larger trees are now being used for programs such as the living snow fences.
Van Patter said the program is switching gears to start offering three-year-old trees as compared to two-year-old trees. He added the survival rate of the older trees is better.
Van Patter noted larger trees are being made available for municipal parks at no charge.
Stokley asked if there are limits to the number of trees available for the snow fence program.
Van Patter noted the Grand River Conservation Authority acts as the agent of the program and works with landowners to create planting plans. He added Wellington County roads staff targeted problem areas and mapped out areas where the snow fence would be effective.
Letters were sent out to those landowners “and there’s been a pretty decent response.”
