Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

Improving communities, one tree at a time.

Plant

Our planting programs make it easy to green your space with native trees and shrubs, all at a subsidized cost! Get expert support to plant the right species in the right place with LEAF!

 

Learn More

LEAF arborist posing with a freeman maple tree after planting. © 2023 Brenna Anstett

Blogs

collage of Spongy Moth, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Oak wilt
Uh-oh! It looks like your trees may be in for some not-so-friendly visitors this year. We’re highlighting three invasive threats you should watch out for, how they impact trees, the signs and symptoms to spot and what you can do to help manage them.
Bottles and glass have a picturesque moment in the evening light of late winter.
Capture a sense of place in a bottle, shaped by time and fermentation. The flavour of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) soda reflects local trees, seasonal timing, and the microbes present in your home environment. This guide shows how to make pine soda at home, inviting you outside in late winter to work with the landscape around you.
Kentucky coffeetree with visible seed pods
You might think you know Kentucky coffeetree, honey locust and pawpaw, but are you aware these familiar trees hold a secret dating back to North America’s Ice Age? Their tough or oversized fruits evolved to be eaten and carried by massive mammals that no longer roam our landscapes. Keep reading to explore these lost partnerships and discover how echoes of that ancient world still appear in the trees around us today.

Events

group of volunteers posing at a LEAF community planting event
Thursday, April 9 – Join our volunteer community and help grow the urban forest!
three volunteers posing with newly planted tree at a LEAF community planting event
Saturday, April 18 – Join Forests Canada and LEAF as we kick off Earth Week by planting native trees and shrubs in Meander Park. Help us grow the urban forest in Richmond Hill. All ages welcome!
two people planting a tree at a LEAF community planting event
Sunday, April 19 – Help LEAF celebrate 30 years of tree planting by joining us for an afternoon of fun planting native trees and shrubs in Meander Park. Bring your friends and family to lend a helping hand in improving Richmond Hill’s urban forest!
three volunteers posing with newly planted tree at a LEAF community planting event
Saturday, April 25 - Join LEAF as we cap off Earth Week by planting native trees and shrubs at Fallingbrook Park. Get your hands dirty and help us improve Whitby’s urban forest! All ages welcome.
two people planting a tree at a LEAF community planting event
Saturday, May 2 - LEAF has been growing the urban forest for 30 years! Bring your friends and family to join us in Aurora to plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs at Stewart Burnett Park. All ages welcome.

News

LEAF staff posing with a tree

Special Offers and Incentives

Residents in select municipalities may qualify for additional incentives to plant for less. If you live in Ajax, Markham, Newmarket or Toronto, find out what is available to you!

Check Eligibility

tulip tree leaves

Our Updated Mission and Vision

Learn how LEAF refreshed its mission and vision with renewed commitment and passion. Discover the thinking, collaboration and values shaping our next chapter together.

Read More

group of Young Urban Forest Leaders posing together under a tree

YUFL Applications Open

Applications are now open for the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program. If you’re a Toronto youth (aged 18-29), apply today to get involved!

Learn More

Give

©2016 Lilian Natalizio / LEAF

Volunteer

Our fantastic volunteers make our work possible.
 

Join us!

©2017 Erin MacDonald / LEAF

Give a Gift

Purchase a LEAF gift certificate and share the urban forest love!

Buy!

©2015 Anne de Haas / LEAF

Donate

Your tax-deductible gift will help us grow a greener tomorrow.

Donate