The Grand River Conservation Authority will launch Canada 150 celebrations on April 22, Earth Day, at the Guelph Rotary Forest with the planting of a maple grove that will be shaped like a maple leaf and will be visible from the sky.
This is the 10th anniversary of the Guelph Rotary Forest planting event at Guelph Lake Park, a joint venture with the Guelph Rotary Club and other partners.
About 4,000 trees will be planted that day, including the maple grove that will be part of a 40-hectare forest.
This event takes place 9am to 2pm and features many family activities, such as live music, a birds of prey demonstration and a visit from the BIObus (a mobile research unit from the University of Guelph).
Transportation
Park at nearby Lakeside Church on Conservation Road, where a free shuttle will take you to the planting site, or hop on a shuttle bus from downtown Guelph.
Be sure to bring your family and friends. Shovels will be provided, although you are welcome to bring pint-sized ones for the kids. Dress for the weather, including gloves and footwear suitable for digging.
Find out more about the event on the Guelph Rotary website at rotaryguelph.ca.
The Guelph Rotary Forest has been planted entirely by the community.
About the Canada 150 maple grove
The Canada 150 maple grove is in the shape of a giant sugar maple leaf of the same species that is on the Canadian flag.
As it grows, it will be visible from the air and on satellite images.
The maple leaf will stretch 60 metres across at the widest and 50 metres from base to tip.
It will be made up of 50 per cent sugar maple, 25% red maple, 15% silver maple and 10% black maple.
The outline of the maple leaf will be formed by 600 white cedar seedlings which, as evergreens, will highlight the shape throughout the seasons.
The interior of the maple leaf will be formed by 150 native maple saplings including one large ceremonial maple at the centre of the leaf.
The sugar maple is Canada’s symbol and peoples’ connection to this land.
