'Very proud': 35,000 trees planted in the Sault this year

Forests Ontario supported the planting of 35,000 trees in Sault Ste. Marie as part of a national program the saw the planting of 2.7 million trees across the country.

A news release says that brings the total planted in the Sault to 122,000 trees and 46.5 million trees in the country in a partnership with Forest Recovery Canada.

“We have always built strong relationships with a comprehensive network of experienced partners and experts who understand the transformative power of healthy forests,” said Forests Ontario CEO Jess Kaknevicius. “Now, as we are facing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, it is imperative that we build these relationships across the country, so that we can make a difference in communities from coast to coast to coast.”

The two groups say this re-planting is important in "creating diverse, resilient, thriving forests is one of the most effective, nature-based solutions to combat and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather that can lead to drought or wildfires."

In addition it encourages biodiversity, assists wildlife habitats, support green job creation and improves the health and wellness of our communities,

The 2.7 million trees planted this season includes more than 700,000 outside Ontario – which is a new record for the organization and is thanks to the support of municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, individual and corporate donors, and new planting partners across the country, the release added.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments we made with our planting partners in Ontario and across Canada this year, including restoring ecosystems after wildfires and extreme wind events like hurricanes,” said Forests Ontario National Program Manager Peter Moddle. “It has been an absolute pleasure connecting with local Indigenous communities, woodlot owners and groups, and ENGOs (environmental non-governmental organizations), who are all so passionate about creating healthy, resilient forests.”

Forests Ontario’s tree-planting programs reduce the costs of tree planting, making increasing forest cover in communities easier and more affordable while ensuring the right trees are planted in the right place for the right reason.  You can learn more at www.forestsontario.ca.

“At Forests Ontario, we like to say that we do more than just plant trees, we grow diverse, resilient, thriving forests – but we know that isn’t possible without our incredible planting partners and the generous support of individual donors, corporate partners, members, and municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, so I offer my heartfelt thanks," said Kaknevicius. "Together, we can conserve, restore, and grow Canada’s forests."