SpruceLab's 'Earth Tending' green infrastructure employment and training program, with funding from Miziwe Biik, works with Indigenous community members in the Greater Toronto Area through employment and training services. We were excited to be among several local environmental organizations invited to participate and share our practices on naturalization planting. On the planting day, non-Indigenous LEAF volunteers and staff met with a group of Indigenous program participants to plant 100 native shrubs and trees at David Hamilton Park.
At David Hamilton Park, most of the ground cover is mowed grass or paved pathways, and the remaining soil is compact. Increasing the number of native shrubs and trees is needed in these spaces because it enriches the soil, improves air quality, provides habitat for pollinators and birds, and so much more. Beyond the ecological benefits, the naturalization of public spaces helps to improve physical and mental health, increase feelings of connectivity and community and create a shared sense of responsibility and care for nature. We had many discussions about how planting activities allow us to reconnect with the natural world and provide healing to ourselves, our communities and the land.
One of the most impactful parts of the day was the knowledge sharing that occurred amongst our participants. When working with the eastern white cedar, we learned from one participant that the cedar tree is considered the Grandmother Cedar or "Nookomis-giizhik" in Anishinaabemowin — meaning, the protector and provider of the forest. Another participant mentioned that plants are known as the “first family”, which references the order of creation told by many different Indigenous Peoples. The Creator made the Earth first, followed by the plants as they only require the physical properties of the Earth and sky (sunlight, water, soil and heat) to live.
After the trees and shrubs were planted, the group reconvened to discuss the planting experience and share insights on the environmental industry. Our Community Programs Manager, Brian Millward, also shared information about volunteer and employment opportunities with LEAF and insights into building careers in the urban forestry field.
We were so glad to be a part of the SpruceLab's 'Earth Tending' green infrastructure employment and training program and hope to be involved in similar projects in the future.
If you are interested in participating in our naturalization planting activities, we encourage you to learn more about our community planting program!
Katie King is a Naturalization Assistant at LEAF.
This blog is the second in a series that highlights our naturalization planting work in York Region.
This planting event is supported by the City of Richmond Hill, the Regional Municipality of York, and the OPG Regional Biodiversity Program, with additional support from SpruceLab and Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training.
