Durham Region battles climate change by welcoming Brock and Clarington into tree planting program

Whitby, Ontario – Earlier this month, the Township of Brock and the Municipality of Clarington joined the partnership with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Region of Durham to offer subsidized tree planting that boosts the Region’s efforts to combat climate change. Residents, multi-unit property owners and commercial property owners from Brock and Clarington can now plant native trees at a low price through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program.

Since the program launched in July 2020, LEAF has planted more than 460 native trees and 340 native shrubs at more than 360 properties in the region thanks to support from the Region of Durham and participating municipalities, including The Town of Ajax, City of Oshawa, City of Pickering, Township of Scugog, and the Town of Whitby. Residents from the Township of Brock and the Municipality of Clarington now join the effort to improve the urban forest in their communities.

The service provided by LEAF includes a consultation with an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist to help select native trees that are adapted to the local conditions; a five-to-eight-foot-tall native deciduous tree or a two-to-four-foot-tall native evergreen tree; tree-planting service or tree-delivery; and resources to help care for the newly planted trees. All the above for just $150 to $220 (plus HST) for the full-service program and $100 to $170 for the do-it-yourself program.

With overwhelming success in 2020 and 2021, Durham Region is excited to see LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program expand availability to more residents. To apply to the Backyard Tree Planting Program, visit the LEAF website or call 416-413-9244 for more information.

Quotes

“The incredible success of the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program over the past two years demonstrates the willingness of our residents and businesses to do their part against climate change. Welcoming Brock and Clarington into the tree planting program will help the environment and our communities today and in the future.”

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“Brock Township is delighted to participate in LEAF. Not only do we get the right native plantings in the right backyards, we build community, enthusiasm and shared knowledge on the necessity of trees and shrubs to help mitigate flooding and climate change, to provide shade and cooling and to provide forage for our wild pollinators. In addition, these plantings provide habitat for birds and insects and beauty for residents. We’re looking forward to branching out with LEAF. And we’re grateful for the opportunity.”

-        Councillor Cria Pettingill, Township of Brock

“Clarington is pleased to partner with LEAF and the Region of Durham on this important initiative that will increase the tree canopy and natural habitats in urban areas of the municipality. Not only will the backyard tree planting project assist residents wanting to plant more trees and shrubs on their properties, but it will also provide endless benefits to the environment and help us continue our efforts to combat the negative effects of climate change.”

-        Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster

“Planting native trees across Durham Region benefits both the residents of the region and the natural environment. Trees improve air quality, create habitats for wildlife, help cool urban and suburban areas and provide beauty. We are excited to now offer our services to more residents in the region with the joining of the Municipality of Clarington and the Township of Brock in our efforts to address climate change and protect the urban forest.”

-        Erin MacDonald, Acting Executive Director, LEAF

Quick Facts

• Since declaring a climate emergency on January 29, 2020, Durham Region continues to develop community action plans in partnership with local area municipalities and other key stakeholders including LEAF.

• Through the declaration—brought forward through the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change—Durham Region joins the Government of Canada and more than 400 Canadian municipalities to have declared climate emergencies. Most of these organizations are implementing programs to help reduce their contribution to global carbon emissions.

• The benefits of planting native trees and shrubs include:
  • Providing essential habitat for wildlife
  • Reducing stormwater run-off by capturing and storing rainfall
  • Reducing greenhouse gases and clean our air all year round
  • Reducing energy costs by providing shade, privacy, and shelter
  • Restoring outdoor green spaces to live, work and visit
  • Increasing property value

• Participation in the Backyard Tree Planting Program includes:
  • A 30-minute consultation with a LEAF arborist
  • Full planting service OR a do-it-yourself option
  • Tree care resources
  • Follow-up tree care advice online or by phone
• LEAF plants native species that are well-suited to local climatic conditions and provide essential habitat for wildlife.

• Native shrubs are also available.

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