Tree Planting is Alive and Well in the Ganaraska Region
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is making it even easier for residents to plant native trees and shrubs in 2020 through various partnership with member municipalities and organizations. Here are the multiple ways you can participate.
Are you interested in planting trees along your property line next to municipal roads? Is your property in the Municipality of Clarington or the Municipality of Port Hope? The GRCA has once again collaborated with the Municipalities to offer free potted stock to be planted along rural roads. The Trees for Rural Roads program goal is to restore trees along roads for their beauty and environmental benefits. Applications are due March 31, 2020.
Northumberland County residents are able to apply for tree saplings free-of-charge to plant within the County. This program is designed to replace trees removed as part of the County’s 10-year plan to eliminate hazardous ash trees that have been killed by the Emerald Ash Borer.
For every one tree that is taken down, 10 trees will be planted, with 12,000 trees per year for five years subsidized for Northumberland County landowners. Eligible applications are considered on a first come first serve basis and on their own merit. There is no guarantee that an applicant will receive stock in 2020. Applications are due February 14, 2020.
If flowering shrubs or different evergreens and hardwoods are what you are looking for, the GRCA also offers a Tree Seedling Program. Over 25 different species are available and range in price from $0.70 to $2.25 each. Act now and you could receive up to 40 cents per tree off your order courtesy of Forest Ontario and the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. Order are due March 6, 2020.
Do you have more than 2.5 acres of open land that can be reforested? The GRCA also offers a full service tree planting program. Funding is available through Forest Ontario, Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and the GRCA’s Clean Water-Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program to significantly offset the cost of large-scale tree planting.
Speaking of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, the GRCA is pleased to become an active partner. The overall goal of the Campaign is to plant 2 million trees for all Canadians that have served during times of conflict since Confederation and including the war of 1812. As a result, the GRCA hopes to see an increase amount of tree planted within our region; however, private land is needed to undertake this planting. Ask today on how you can become involved in this living tribute.
Think native trees, plants and shrubs when planning your summer garden, and visit the GRCA on May 30th for the Native Plant Sale. Landowners are also encouraged to implement a rain barrel into their landscaping – the benefits are endless! Pre-order your rain barrel through rainbarrel.ca/ganaraska by May 15th, and pick it up when you shop for your native plants on the 30th.
In order to take full advantage of all of the ways to put down roots, apply today for an April pick up at the GRCA. For further information, please contact Pam Lancaster, Stewardship Technician at the GRCA: 905-885-8173 or stewardship@grca.on.ca. Application forms and more information is also available under Watershed Stewardship at grca.on.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love