Trees Ontario seeking more Green Leaders to help re-forest Ontario

Trees Ontario and partners invite landowners to attend free tree planting workshops this winter and be part of the campaign to plant 3 million trees this spring

Ontario, January 18, 2011 – Experts have determined that a minimum 30% forest cover is required to maintain a healthy sustainable environment.  Currently, there is an urgent ecological crisis in our province with forest cover being as low as 5% in several regions.  The lack of sufficient forest cover in the province is compromising the health of our environment and taking a toll on the physical and mental health of our fellow citizens.

In order to enhance the health of our environment and, in turn, the health of the human population, we need to plant a billion more trees in Ontario. Although this goal seems daunting, Trees Ontario, the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America, is prepared and capable of facing this challenge.

With Ontario in an urgent need for more trees, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Trees Ontario, along with its partners, the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA) and local planting agencies will host six free workshops to inform landowners on the resources and incentives available to plant trees on their properties.

The free workshops are open to everyone. People can learn about tree planting techniques, ways to reduce their environmental footprint and incentives like those in the Ontario Government’s 50 Million Tree Program. There will also be information about the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) that can reduce property taxes by up to 75 per cent.

Landowners who participate in a Trees Ontario subsidy program can be nominated as Trees Ontario Green Leaders for the support they have shown in helping to re-forest the province.

Attend one of our workshops and see how you can help enhance Ontario's ecosystem.

Click here to learn more and register for a workshop.