Urban Forest Champion

Meet Chris, a Toronto real estate agent with a TREE-rific yard full of LEAF native species he planted himself. Determined to enhance tree canopy in the city, this Urban Forest Champion is finding new ways to advocate for the value of urban trees.

Driven by his desire to create a pollinator-friendly environment, Jack Patriarche is working to grow the urban forest in Newmarket right from his yard! From sugar maple to elderberry, this Urban Forest Champion has carefully selected all sorts of native trees, shrubs and perennials to create a colourful, dog-friendly pollinator paradise.

A passionate gardener and bird feeder from Georgina, Lynn Slaney is working to create a landscape that can be enjoyed by her and her family, as well as local wildlife. From oak and elm to cedar and chokeberry, this Urban Forest Champion has planted all sorts of native trees, shrubs and perennials that provide important food and shelter for local birds, bunnies and more!

Danijela Puric-Mladenovic has recently joined the LEAF Board of Directors. In this blog, our Executive Director, Janet McKay interviews Danijela about her experience and her motivation for becoming a LEAF Board member.