The Town of Georgina is celebrating Earth Day by giving away 2,000 trees on Saturday, April 20.
The two-gallon pots will be available at the ROC Chalet roundabout from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The trees were donated to the town by Canadian Trees for Life, with an estimated value of $62,000.
“This is wonderful news for the town and I would like to thank Canadian Trees for Life for their incredible donation. Trees are essential to our health and well-being, and we recognize and value the importance of them, and the need to protect and maintain a mature tree canopy,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk in a news releaes.
“I also want to acknowledge Councillor Dave Neeson for his efforts to secure this donation for the town. We appreciate this partnership and look forward to future opportunities to work together.”
Six different varieties of trees are available and residents are allowed two per household and must show proof of residency with a driver’s licence, hydro or utility bill, or anything with an address on it. Requests for a specific tree species are not guaranteed. It is first come, first served, the town said. The species of trees available are Red Maple, Tulip Tree, London Plane Tree, Hybrid Poplar, Swamp White Oak and Red Oak.
This donation provides a 333 per cent increase in the number of trees to be planted this year by the town, leading to an increase in the tree canopy. A healthy acre of trees absorbs enough carbon dioxide over one year to equal the amount produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.
A healthy urban forest contributes to physical and mental health, as well as the overall social wellness, of residents and wildlife populations. The town is in the process of updating its tree preservation and compensation policy, and is working on its planning and development processes to create a more diverse urban forest that will be sustainable and enjoyable for all.
“Congratulations for your commitment to plant trees to enhance the beauty and environment of Georgina,” said Canadian Trees for Life founder and chair Mark Cullen. “We are thrilled that Georgina shares our organization’s goal to maximize the urban forest for the many benefits trees provide to society. Planting a tree is a gift to future generations."
Canadian Trees for Life is a national charity with a mission to create a healthier, happier Canada by planting native trees where we live, work and play.
