Planting trees in the township is one way everyone can make a difference.
The Trees for Mapleton committee is encouraging residents to take advantage of trees being handed out free of charge to property owners on April 23 at the Moorefield sand shed between 8 and 10am.
Trees can be ordered ahead of time by calling the township at 519-638-3313. Property owners can pre-order up to 50 trees and while species available are limited, there are still some trees available.
People are also encouraged to donate to the local food bank when they come to pick up trees. For anyone who has not ordered trees, there may be some available that morning.
This spring is the 10th anniversary of the local tree days in Wellington County, meaning Mapleton Township will has given out 50,000 Green Legacy trees.
Together, the local municipalities will have given out 350,000 trees across the county. All of those who have come out to plant a tree should take pride in this accomplishment.
Around Mapleton, windbreaks are starting to be part of the rural scene. They will help protect prime local soil resources.
Green Legacy, a Wellington County program, has garnered world wide recognition for efforts to help in the planting of more trees. The program operates two nurseries in the county and provides opportunities for student in the county from kindergarten to Grade 8.
Kindergarten to Grade 3 grow the trees from seed in the classrooms. Grades 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 conservation authorities, local landowners, the Drayton Kinsmen and Mapleton Township. Often the same people come back year after year to get trees and it has become a tradition. Anyone who has not come out in the past is encouraged to get involved.
Landowers are encouraged to think about where they want to plant trees and how to care for them. Getting them off to a right start is important and there will be information on hand on April 23. Some of the trees are small so some people take them home and plant them in an area to grow before transplanting elsewhere.
Anyone who wants to plant a windbreak in the township or do a larger planting, is encouraged to talk to Joseph Heeg, forestry specialist for the Grand River Conservation Authority, at 519-621-2763 ext 2259 or email jheeg@grandriver.ca. There are many different funding sources Heeg can explain.
Planting trees ties in well with Mapleton Township’s motto: “Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future.”
“Let us all do our part. Plant a tree for your grandchildren,” urges Liz Samis, of the Trees for Mapleton committee.
