Recently, Paul Frayne’s grade 9 Norwell District High School geography class went on a field trip to the Wellington County Green Legacy tree nursery in Puslinch Township.
Frayne wrote, “During our day long experience we helped prepare trees for planting across the county this spring and participated in a nature hike led by Green Legacy staff. It was a great learning experience on the benefits and importance of planting trees.”
He said, “The main question of the day was: ‘Why should your community plant more trees?’ My class answered this question as a letter to the editor assignment.”
Frayne forwarded the three best letters he received. They are published below.
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Dear Editor:
The town of Minto was once completely forested and now has less then 20% tree cover.
I believe that Minto should plant more trees to improve air quality, help reduce flooding, and improve the growth of crops on farms. Trees improve air quality not only by reducing CO2 and producing oxygen but also by taking in dust particles from the air.
Since Minto is a farming community there is also a lot of dust flying around in the air as a by-product of the farmers preparing and harvesting their fields. I think that if there were more trees the amount of dust in the air would be minimized and living in Minto would be better.
Also, having more trees in Minto would be better because it would reduce flooding of the Maitland River, which has been prone to flood in the early spring. Trees would stop this from happening by absorbing some of the melt water from the snow. This would help save insurance money and damage costs on people who live by the river.
Finally I believe that having more trees would benefit Minto because they help increase productivity and value of crops when planted around fields.
This would be beneficial because agriculture is important in our community and improving that aspect of the economy will help all sectors of the local economy. Obviously trees would have a positive effect on the Town of Minto, because they improve air quality, helps reduce flooding and improve the growth of crops on farms.
Braeden Raftis
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Dear Editor:
It is my opinion the township should plant more trees in Mapleton.
First of all, I believe this because trees can act as a shield from harsh weather conditions. Trees, if planted in the right location and direction, can act as a snow or wind block.
Farmers often plant trees near the edge of their fields to prevent harsh winds from wearing away at their crops. In the same manner, trees properly planted at the sides of roads can act as a snow fence and keep the roads clearer, reducing the need for snow plows, and saving time and money.
Another reason that I think more trees should be planted in Mapleton is because they encourage outdoor activities. Many people want to be in nature because it relaxes us and keeps us healthy. More people would take the time to walk on a sidewalk with trees planted near by because they like the beauty, fresh air, peacefulness, and secure feeling that trees provide.
For the reasons listed I think that the idea of planting more trees in Mapleton should be strongly considered and acted upon.
Melissa Schiedel
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Dear Editor:
Close your eyes for a moment, imagine a vast forest of emerald green deciduous trees spanning the miles; over the rolling hills strewn with moss and fresh-fallen leaves. That is how our very own Wellington County began, 100% trees: maple, birch, oak, and crab-apple trees as far as the eye can see.
Now, this same fertile soil has been transformed into farmland, which is our economic base, but where did all of the trees go? Only 17% of what was forest spreading out around us remains. It is time that we realize just how much good trees can do. For starters, they are excellent windbreaks, and are ultimately cheaper than putting up wind and snow fences every year. In autumn the leaves that fall make for great compost by putting valuable nutrients back into the soil.
You may not realize it at first but when you plant trees along the edges of the fields you will end up with a much better harvest than if you were to remove the trees. Trees are also an important factor in the carbon cycle.
They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen.
Clearly trees are important to Wellington County. Trees benefit us and the environment.
Hannah Schmitting
