Forests Ontario Partners with York Region to Provide Trees and Pollinator Wildflower Kits at a Reduced Cost to Residents

May 15th, 2024 6:58 AM

Forests Ontario, together with its national division Forest Recovery Canada, is dedicated to the creation, restoration and maintenance of forest and grassland habitats.
The Take Root program launched in The Regional Municipality of York at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024. 1,000 trees and 500 pollinator wildflower kits will be available to York Region residents at a reduced cost, on a first-come, first-served basis.

York Region, Ontario (May 15, 2024) – Forests Ontario, in partnership with The Regional Municipality of York, is pleased to launch Take Root York Region. This program provides York Region residents the opportunity to purchase native trees and pollinator wildflower kits for their homes and neighbourhoods at a reduced cost, making tree planting accessible and creating more inclusive opportunities to support biodiversity.

"York Region is committed to promoting planting of native species to help ensure a sustainable environment for future generations. Enhancing the natural environment relies on partnerships with residents to strengthen the ecosystem across the Region,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson says. “We are pleased to be partnering with Forests Ontario on this initiative, which encourages residents to plant native trees, shrubs and plants, and also educates them on the benefits they bring to the environment and communities.”

Residents can choose from 13 different tree species, including Basswood, Black Cherry, Black Elderberry, Eastern White Cedar, Ninebark, Northern Hackberry, Red Oak, Red Osier Dogwood, Sugar Maple, Staghorn Sumac, White Birch, White Pine and White Spruce for $10 each (taxes included). Pollinator wildflower kits contain two plants of five different species, including Dense Blazing Star, Swamp Milkweed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Black-eyed Susan and Aster for $15 (taxes included). Purchases are limited to five (5) trees and two (2) pollinator wildflower kits per York Region household. One thousand native trees and 500 pollinator wildflower kits will be available for purchase online-only on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We have been proud to partner with York Region on different projects over the years and I think that the Take Root program is a wonderful way to involve residents and help improve biodiversity and urban canopy cover throughout the region,” Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Ontario, says. “As these trees grow, they will help mitigate the effects of climate change, clean the air and water, support biodiversity, and provide shade as well as recreational opportunities in York Region.”

While supplies last, York Region residents can order native tree(s) and/or pollinator wildflower kit(s) through TreesTakeRoot.ca/YorkRegion

Pick up takes place on:

Saturday, May 25, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre, 130 McCleary Court in the City of Vaughan

Residents must choose one pick-up location. After registration and payment is received, a confirmation email including the designated pick-up location will be sent. Proof of payment will be required upon pickup.

Residents of York Region who are interested in learning more about the Take Root program can visit TreesTakeRoot.ca/YorkRegion or email Forests Ontario at takeroot@forestsontario.ca

Forests Ontario’s Take Root program is a community-powered initiative that educates residents on the importance of a healthy urban tree canopy, how to choose the best tree for their property, and proper tree-planting and care techniques.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Matthew Brown
Communications Manager

Forests Ontario / Forest Recovery Canada

Cell: 519-471-4751
E-mail: MBrown@forestsontario.ca

About Forests Ontario & Forest Recovery Canada

Forests Ontario is the province’s leading charity dedicated to the creation, preservation, and maintenance of forest and grassland habitats. Our ambitious, large-scale tree planting initiatives, extensive educational programs, and decades of community outreach result in millions of trees being planted each year.

Together with our national division, Forest Recovery Canada, we work with our many partners across the country to plant native trees and ensure our efforts today thrive and grow into tomorrow’s diverse, healthy, and resilient forests.

Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to find out more.

About Forests Ontario’s Take Root Program

The Take Root program was designed to help municipalities:

Engage local communities and provide them with the resources needed to properly plant and care for their urban forest cover.
Empower local communities to act by providing training and knowledge in becoming stewards of the urban forest for the long-term.
Enable local communities to participate in urban planting events and contribute to increasing a healthy urban forest cover in their neighbourhoods.
Provide an equitable program where everyone has an opportunity to a low-cost native tree or shrub.
Enhance environmental co-benefits through activities that will help create healthy, resilient forests as well as improve the physical and mental well-being of residents and their communities.

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Forests Ontario Partners with York Region to Provide Trees and Pollinator Wildflower Kits at a Reduced Cost to Residents

May 15th, 2024 6:58 AM