Tree planting continues in York Region during COVID-19 pandemic

Thestar.com
June 30, 2021

Plans to plant more than a thousand trees and shrubs in York Region are moving ahead despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“York Region, recently designated as a Tree City of the World. Through the Regional Greening Strategy, we are working with our partners to protect, restore and create green infrastructure which helps contribute to sustainable and healthy communities.” Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services of York Region, said.

This spring, the non-profit Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) continues to plant native trees and shrubs on public and private properties across York Region.

LEAF plans to plant 1,095 trees and shrubs on 4,025 square metres of public land in the City of Richmond Hill and the Township of King.

Kathryn McLellan, Environmental Stewardship Outreach Co-ordinator of King said, trees and shrubs are going to be planted at Kettle Lake Park.

The planting will help increase canopy coverage, support biodiversity, and further enhance the park landscape.

Community tree planting events were the most affected last year due to COVID-19.

Those tree planting events had to be put on hold when the pandemic started.

But the subsidized tree planting program for private property owners was able to continue with some modified procedures to comply with physical distancing.