Volunteers to plant over 2,000 native trees and shrubs throughout the city this week in a series of community planting events to boost the city’s urban forests, climate resiliency and community spirit.
The City is hosting a planting and community celebration on World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 25 from 10am to 2pm at Mosquito Creek Park. This event is held annually in September to raise awareness about local streams and habitat and to celebrate the local ecosystem. During the event, volunteers with the City Park Stewards will plant over 650 native trees and shrubs, nearly doubling the amount planted last year.
In addition to the planting, this family-friendly event will feature information booths from local community groups, a bike repair café, weaving with invasive plants, and children’s activities. To learn more about the event and to register to volunteer in the planting, visit cnv.org/RiversDay.
Two additional planting events of over 1,400 native trees and shrubs are taking place earlier in the week. The first planting is taking place on National Tree Day, Wednesday, September 21 in Larson Park and is being organized by Tree Canada. The second planting is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at Lynnmouth Park and is being organized by Prince’s Trust.
Why We’re Growing our Urban Forests
Urban forests are increasingly recognized as a critical part of a healthy and sustainable city and form an important part of a city’s green infrastructure. Urban forests reduce stormwater run-off, filter air pollution, provide shade and temperature regulation (reducing the urban heat island effect), stabilize soil, and capture and store carbon.
Urban forests also support urban biodiversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife, beautifying our communities, and improving mental and physical well-being. These ecosystem services are as important as the water, sewer, and street systems that sustain the city. Urban forests will become even more important as the impacts of climate change increase.
The City’s Climate and Environment Strategy
The City is developing a Climate and Environment Strategy to eliminate carbon pollution and promote a healthy environment, as part of the Liveable City goal within Council’s Strategic Plan. This strategy will be the playbook for planning and making decisions that prioritize the climate and environment today and over the next decade. Learn more at cnv.org/environmentstrategy.
City Park Stewards
The Park Stewardship Program is a volunteer program in partnership with the City that aims to restore the City’s parks, natural areas and biodiversity. This program has been running for over 20 years and helps rejuvenate degraded natural areas that are affected by invasive plants, eroding stream banks, and intensive recreational use. Learn more and sign up to volunteer with the City Park Stewards at cnv.org/cityparkstewards.
World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September every year to increase public awareness about rivers and to encourage their conservation.
Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments.
National Tree Day
National Tree Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that trees provide – clean air, cooler cities, wildlife habitat, and connection with nature. This event is coordinated by Tree Canada and takes place annually on the Wednesday of National Forest Week, typically the third week of September.