March 16, 2021
Visitor (not verified)
Tags: Tree Care
Urban forests and urban wildlife share an important year-round, symbiotic relationship. Trees and shrubs offer shelter and food to wildlife and, in return, wildlife and pollinators help these woody plants reproduce. Though feeding on woody plants is normal in a forest setting where there is an abundance of trees and shrubs, single trees and shrubs in yards may require protection when young and vulnerable. Using safe and humane methods of protection will minimize damage while also respecting the wildlife that share our yards; it’s a Backyard Biodiversity win-win!
March 11, 2021
Lam Tran
For Lucy Szczesniak, her interest in the natural environment and urban forest set off a chain of rewarding professional, personal and spiritual developments in her life. Becoming a Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) gave her clarity in the next chapter of her life and connected her to a new network. Hoping to inspire others to join the YUFL program, she shares her experience and guiding principles.
Young women by sign, "Park(ing) Day"
March 02, 2021
Lam Tran
Willow couldn’t have predicted the impact that participating in the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program would have on her life. Driven by her desire to learn more about the urban forest, she found herself developing skills through the program and emerged as a leader in her community. Now, she reflects on her experience and the opportunities ahead.
Tree in the front yard of a house
February 23, 2021
Daniela Serodio
Adam Buchholz’s deep love for trees spans back to his childhood, just like his love for hockey! Now, this Urban Forest Champion is nurturing his passions one DIY project at a time, from planting a tree to building a backyard ice rink!
Do It Yourself Tree Planting
February 16, 2021
Adriana Rezai-S...
Looking to try something new and exciting this spring? How about planting a tree? The LEAF Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tree Planting Program is perfect for those that want to connect with nature and get their hands dirty. Through the DIY program, homeowners can plant their own tree while still receiving the benefits of personalized advice from a certified arborist. Additionally, virtual consultations, contactless delivery and a lower price make this planting option extremely flexible and appealing.
Brian Millward reading a book
February 02, 2021
Brian Millward
Tags:
One of my favourite things to do during the winter is to curl up under a cozy blanket and get lost in a good book! Last year, I challenged myself to fill my personal library with more non-fiction, and read more environmental books. With everyone spending more time at home than usual, I thought I would share with you some recent nature-reads that I absolutely loved!
Spruce branch covered in snow
January 28, 2021
Adriana Rezai-S...
Trees that tend to hold on to their foliage are known as evergreen trees. Although it might seem like an intuitive word, there is still much confusion surrounding this tree group. Are all conifers evergreen? Do all evergreens have needles? Do evergreens make for good backyard trees? We answer all this and more!
Swamp white oak, Ohio buckeye and paper birch in a backyard
January 20, 2021
Mikayla Richards
Like many parents, Cheryl Gula is passionate about ensuring there is a healthy planet for her son as he grows up. This Urban Forest Champion is doing her part to make sure that happens by using the available space on her Markham property to plant trees. Her backyard trees will not only benefit her son, but the winder community for generations to come!
January 11, 2021
Jess Wilkin
It can be tricky to identify deciduous trees after their leaves drop. However, winter presents a great opportunity to learn about other tree features, like buds or bark, to identify your neighbourhood trees. Practice makes perfect, so get out this season and enhance your Winter ID skills with these tips!
A person watering a pin cherry tree in a backyard
January 06, 2021
Brenna Anstett
The New Year has just begun and we’re busy preparing for our spring 2021 tree planting season! As we look ahead, I find myself reflecting on last year’s accomplishments. Despite having to postpone our spring season as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, we still managed to plant 1,176 native trees and shrubs on private property. Furthermore, we successfully expanded into parts of Durham Region, making it our busiest and most rewarding planting season yet!

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