Almost 100,000 Native Trees and Shrubs to be Planted at Over 90 Sites
September 21, 2023, Toronto, ON — In preparation for the fall planting season, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Restoration and Resource Management team is gearing up to supply and plant almost 100,000 trees and shrubs across more than 90 restoration sites in TRCA’s jurisdiction.
TRCA staff planting trees.
The forest ecosystem is critical to the survival of native wildlife and plants. Communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) greatly benefit from the ecosystem services provided by forests, including cleaner air, fresher water, and recreational opportunities.
Although forests are the most common terrestrial ecosystem found in Ontario, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, urbanization, and invasive species. Therefore, ecological restoration and environmental sustainability in our communities have never been more important – and are particularly significant during National Forest Week.
Native trees provide numerous benefits, such as clean air, filtering water that flows into Lake Ontario, and providing habitats for wildlife.
They are also critical in mitigating and adapting to climate change by moderating temperatures, protecting against pollutants, and reducing stress and anxiety.
TRCA’s tree planting efforts involve collaboration with municipal and federal partners, non-governmental organizations, local community groups, schools, and volunteers to ensure the restoration and protection of our natural spaces.
Together, we are fighting climate change and providing recreational opportunities that positively impact the physical and mental well-being of our communities.
Quotes:
“TRCA is committed to making our communities healthier and greener, and we recognize the key role that we play in helping the GTA mitigate and adapt to climate change. With our tree planting efforts, TRCA and our partners are making a signification contribution to creating a sustainable habitat for native wildlife and plants, enriching our landscape, and promoting healthy living and mental wellness.”
— Anil Wijesooriya, Director, Restoration and Infrastructure, TRCA
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events – Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies.
As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property.
TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government.
TRCA’s jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada’s population.
To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.
Media Contact
Afiya Jilani
Specialist, Communication and Media Relations
Communications, Marketing and Events
afiya.jilani@trca.ca