The free workshops ran from October to November reaching many communities across southern Ontario, as north-east as Berwick near Ottawa and as south-west as Simcoe, with a positive response from local landowners.

These informative and engaging workshops were presented by Trees Ontario forestry experts, the local planting agency partner and the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA). Attendees learned about how private landowners can obtain financial assistance for planting trees on their property, tree planting techniques, the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), the Ministry of Natural Resources’ incentive program called the 50 Million Tree Program and how to prepare for spring tree planting. The workshops also gave attendees an opportunity to make contact with their local planting agency, such as the conservation authority or stewardship council and learn more about tree planting opportunities in their area.

Many attendees commented that the workshops were “very well organized, helpful and informative” and that they “were a good introduction to the programs and incentives that Trees Ontario offers.”

One participant in Kingston shared that “the materials provided and assistance was great” and that our presenters “did a great job.”

Winter workshops are in planning and will be held across southern Ontario in February/March, 2009. Stay tuned to the Trees Ontario website for more details: http://www.treesontario.on.ca/news/index.php/news_workshops