With spring upon us, Trees for Halton Hills is encouraging local residents to take part in its 65,000 Tree Challenge.
Two years ago, the local environmental group challenged the community to plant 65,000 trees within five years - one for every resident of Halton Hills.
“While several thousand trees have been planted, we have a long way to go,” said Corrina McAloon, project co-ordinator with Trees for Halton Hills.
“To meet the 65,000 Tree Challenge, we need every person in town to find a place to plant a tree. Plant one in your yard, at your school, your place of worship, or at your workplace. If you have a good look at all those places in the community, you’ll see that there are lots of spots a tree could be planted.”
After you plant a tree, you should register it at http://www.treesforhaltonhills.ca so that it’s counted towards meeting the 65,000 Tree Challenge.
“There are so many good reasons to plant a tree,” said Dr. Don Trant, chair of the Trees for Halton Hills board.
“A tree beautifies your property and increases its value. Trees also play an important role in combating climate change, providing shade and improving air quality. Trees even help to improve our mental health. And when you plant native species trees, you are helping the birds and the bees and all the other wildlife to thrive.”
Trees for Halton Hills is a local non-profit group that was established in 2020 with the objective of encouraging the community to plant trees and meet the 65,0000 Tree Challenge.
Since its inception, it has led many community tree planting projects on public lands and also established a small arboretum at Joseph Gibbons Park off Delrex Boulevard.
For further details or to volunteer with Trees for Halton Hills, visit www.treesforhaltonhills.ca.
The Town is currently issuing $30 vouchers that can be used towards the purchase of a tree. They're available at the customer service desks at the Gellert Community Centre, Mold-Masters SportsPlex or the Acton Arena from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proof of address is required.
