The Green Streets funding, $3,750, supports the replacement of trees in Brockton’s Lobies Park that were destroyed in the 2005 ice storm. Native species of sugar maples were relocated from the former Brant Township to the park. These 50 trees were carefully dug, wrapped, transported and replanted in select locations to beautify the park. They will be closely monitored and maintained to ensure that the transplanting is a success.

“Tree Canada has a history of helping communities who have lost their tree cover to violent storms,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “We understand only too well how these unpredictable weather events can negatively impact a community. We are only too pleased to be able to join forces with our partner Trees Ontario to lend a helping hand in Brockton’s Lobies Park Restoration Initiative.”

"We are very pleased to support the Municipality of Brockton in this important urban forest project," said Michael Scott, President and CEO of Trees Ontario. "This is a vital part of the work we are doing with tree planting partners across Ontario, to rebuild tree planting capacity, and replace aging forests. This past spring, more than 3 million trees were planted across Ontario by our partners, and we are working hard with them to increase this number significantly over the next several years."

The Municipality of Brockton recognizes the importance of planting and maintaining a healthy tree population in urban and rural areas. This cooperative effort will also allow future generations to enjoy the beauty and benefits that these trees bring to the community.

Tree Canada is a charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. To date, Tree Canada has engaged more than 60 Canadian companies and government agencies to support the planting of more than 75 million trees, the greening of more than 300 schoolyards, seven national urban forestry conferences, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees.

Green Streets Canada is the flagship program of Tree Canada and is the country's only national urban forest innovation initiative. It rewards municipalities that have gone beyond the call of duty and have recognized the importance of ensuring the survival of trees in their urban communities.

This year, $189,000 in funding will go to 16 municipalities to help support their urban forest programs.

For more information about Tree Canada or Trees Ontario go to www.treecanada.ca or www.treesontario.on.ca.

Pictured above at the Brockton Green Streets presentation, which was held on Thursday, November 22, were (from the left): Brockton Mayor Charlie Bagnato, Brockton horticulturalist Barb Nixon, Chair of the Brockton Trees Committee Albert Zwart, Trees Ontario Manager of Communications Elissa Schmidt, and Brockton Parks and Recreation Director Dan Wilken.

Pictured above is Trees Ontario Manager of Communications Elissa Schmidt making the Brockton Green Streets certificate presentation to Mayor Charlie Bagnato.