The Regional Municipality of York's 2023 Greening Strategy achievements demonstrate the action the region, its partners and local cities and towns are taking to protect and enhance the natural environment.
The 2023 Greening Strategy achievements exceeded targets in several areas, contributing to a greener York Region, including:
- 116,175 trees and shrubs planted in schoolyards, backyards, municipal parks, private forests, conservation areas, along streets and in the York Regional Forest
- Two millionth tree planted in September 2023 during National Forest Week at the Maple Health Centre in Vaughan; this milestone was achieved in fewer years than the one millionth tree, demonstrating our commitment to increasing the number of trees planted annually
- Two properties totalling 145 hectares (358 acres) of land in negotiations and approvals to protect and enhance natural areas
- 133 outreach events with 10,701 participants to inspire stewardship and action.
In 2019, York Region was awarded $10 million in funding through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund toward implementing a $25 million natural infrastructure project over eight years. Funding commitments include conservation land acquisitions, planting 30,687 trees and shrubs in urban areas and 30,517 seedlings in woodlands.
In 2023, $3 million was spent on Greening Strategy programs, including $2.4 million to support large-scale reforestation, backyard tree planting, outdoor education and contribution to land securement reserve.
This year, York Region’s trees and woodlands are threatened by emerging invasive species such as hemlock woolly adelgid, oak wilt and spotted lanternfly. To mitigate impacts from emerging invasive species, the region is preparing threat assessments for priority species. Education materials will be shared with residents and York Regional Forest visitors to help with early detection. More information on these invasive species can be found on the Invasive Species Centre website.
Residents and visitors can celebrate the York Regional Forest’s 100-year anniversary with a family-friendly day of tree planting on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the newly acquired Centennial Tract at 5028 Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury. Tract remains under development and closed to the public for use. Gloves and shovels provided. Registration is now open.
