So what is this contest all about? Well, as many of you may know, an insect called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is set to kill over 2.8 million ash trees across York Region in the next few years. For this reason, LEAF is working to educate students and help them take action through our Youth EAB Ambassador pilot program. Together we’ll plant new native trees and shrubs to fight EAB and restore our urban forest.
With support from the Government of Ontario, York Region and the York Catholic District School Board, LEAF will provide participating schools with in-class workshops to teach students about the importance of the urban forest, its connection to Great Lakes water quality and the threat posed by EAB. Schools will then compete with each other to see how many trees and shrubs they can get planted through LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program!
The contest runs from October 5 to December 4, and the top-selling schools will win gift certificates from LEAF – which they can use to plant trees and shrubs in schoolyards, enhancing biodiversity and creating more shade for students!
How does it work? After learning about our urban forest in the in-class workshops, students encourage their families, friends and neighbours to plant trees and shrubs in their yards through LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program. Additional rebates of $50 per tree and $5 per shrub are available to homeowners who participate in the program. Trees and shrubs must be planted in York Region in order to count for the contest.
LEAF offers two program options for York Region residents – our Full Service program and our Do-It-Yourself program.
From $150 to $220 for:
- 30 minute yard consultation with an arborist
- 5-8 foot tall native tree (2-4 foot evergreens)
- delivery and planting service
- mulch and printed planting and care guide
- native shrubs also available for $30 each
From $100 to $150 for:
- online workshops and videos
- species recommendations by email
- 5-8 foot tall native tree (2-4 foot evergreens)
- delivery (property owner plants)
- mulch and printed planting and care guide
- native shrubs also available for $30 each
Condo and multi-unit properties also qualify for the contest. Click here to learn more about our planting program for these properties!
LEAF's Youth EAB Ambassador Program is supported by the Government of Ontario, York Region and the York Catholic District School Board.
Robyn Stewart is LEAF’s Residential Planting Programs Manager.