Celebrate One Million Trees Planted in the Greenbelt with Forests Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation

Sep 15th, 2026 12:30 PM

Event Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET

Location: Heber Down Conservation Area, 5000 Cochrane St, Whitby, ON L1P 2A3

Join Forests Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation this National Forest Week to celebrate the significant milestone of one million trees planted across the Greenbelt. Following remarks from speakers, there will be a guided hike for photo opportunities and to learn more about how these trees will enhance near-urban and rural forest cover, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce flooding and extreme heat in communities across the Greenbelt.

What

Ceremony (rain or shine) to commemorate Forests Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation planting one million trees together in the Greenbelt
Remarks from:
- Forests Canada CEO Jess Kaknevicius
- Greenbelt Foundation CEO Edward McDonnell
- Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Director of Watershed Planning and Natural Heritage Jamie Davidson
Approximately 30-minute guided hike through Heber Down Conservation Area
- For guests who prefer a shorter or more accessible option, a well-maintained gravel trail is available for a self-guided walk

When

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. ET
Guided hike to follow

Where

Heber Down Conservation Area, 5000 Cochrane St, Whitby, ON L1P 2A3

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About Forests Canada

Forests Canada is a non-profit charity working to conserve, restore, and grow Canada’s forests to sustain life and communities. With interactive education programs inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, and high-quality forest recovery efforts supporting local jobs and economies, we have proudly built the infrastructure and network needed to help ensure the greatest possible outcomes for Canada's forests from coast to coast to coast.

To learn more, visit www.ForestsCanada.ca or follow Forests Canada on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

About the Greenbelt Foundation

Greenbelt Foundation is a charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring Ontario’s Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. The Foundation receives core funding from the Government of Ontario, as well as other public and private support, to make strategic investments that enhance and improve the systems and productivity of the Greenbelt. Since 2005, the Foundation has funded and leveraged more than $100 million through investment in the Greenbelt’s interconnected natural, agricultural, and economic systems to ensure a working, thriving Greenbelt for all.

As one of the world’s largest greenbelts, Ontario’s Greenbelt protects 2 million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes that work together to provide clean air, fresh water, and a reliable local food source. For more information, visit greenbelt.ca.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact:

Matthew Brown

Communications Manager

Forests Canada

Cell: 519-471-4751

E-mail: mbrown@ForestsCanada.ca

Dina Ni

Senior Strategic Communications Advisor

Greenbelt Foundation

Phone: 416-960-0001 Ext. 311

Email: dni@greenbelt.ca

Environmental Communication Options' Media Releases

Celebrate One Million Trees Planted in the Greenbelt with Forests Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation

Sep 15th, 2026 12:30 PM