The annual GRCA tree planting tally is complete and 187,200 trees were planted this spring, reflecting a higher demand for trees when compared to last year.
The authority notes the vast majority of the trees (122,500) were planted on private land in 110 projects. These projects were undertaken through the GRCA’s Rural Water Quality Program, which helps landowners create custom tree planting plans and also helps them find funding sources to assist with project costs.
Through online sales and the annual May tree sale, 44,000 trees were sold to 156 customers. The GRCA also engaged the public in 15 planting events at which 20,700 trees were planted.
The general trend is toward smaller planting projects, because most of the large tracts of land within the watershed have already been planted.
In 2017, the GRCA was the winner of the Green Leaf Challenge in the small organization category. Last year, 88,867 trees were planted through the GRCA. The Green Leaf Challenge was set up for Canada 150 by the province and Forests Ontario to encourage planting across Ontario. The program tracked numbers and also mapped the locations of the trees.
Tree planting numbers fluctuate from year to year partly because of changes to funding programs.
