KING, ON – October 8, 2024 On Saturday, October 5, members of LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), King Township, and the Regional Municipality of York, along with community volunteers, planted 500 native trees and shrubs in Doris Patton Park, King City.

Newly planted trees and shrubs such as sugar maple, bur oak and fragrant sumac, will not only help create healthy habitat for wildlife but also benefit residents, as access to green spaces is linked to better physical and mental health. Trees serve as living green infrastructure for urban areas, providing a multitude of benefits such as cleaner air, reduced stormwater runoff, cooler summer temperatures and more.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of the Township of King, The Regional Municipality of York and LEAF to grow the urban forest canopy. Since 2011, support from York Region and other partners has resulted in over 21,000 native trees and shrubs being planted through LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program and Community Planting events.

Over the past 20 years, York Region’s Greening Strategy has supported the planting of over 1.7 million trees. For more information on York Region’s Greening Strategy and how residents and other stakeholders can support environmental and sustainable initiatives, please visit york.ca/greening

LEAF is inviting all residents to come out and plant trees at events happing this fall.  Sign up at www.yourleaf.org/events

Tree planting efforts in King were made possible by the funding and support of King Township and York Region through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. 

 

QUOTES

Together with LEAF and local cities and towns, we are making meaningful strides with over 1.7 million native trees and shrubs planted to enhance canopy and woodland cover, supporting a healthier, more resilient natural environment. As we mark the York Regional Forest’s 100th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our Greening Strategy, protecting and preserving vital green spaces, rehabilitating natural features and inspiring community involvement essential for the sustainability of our landscape.

  • Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York

 

The Township of King has been working in partnership with LEAF for several years to grow King’s forest canopy by engaging community volunteers to help plant native trees and shrubs. Together, we will continue to reach our urban forest goals of increasing canopy cover and supporting biodiversity which will further improve our environment.

  • Steve Pellegrini, Mayor, King Township

 

We are thrilled to be working with our partners in York Region and King to reach our common goal of growing our canopy.  Kudos to the amazing residents who volunteer their time to help us plant. We couldn’t do this vital work without them!

  • Janet McKay, Executive Director, LEAF

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK:  

Melissa Pinto – Corporate Communications Advisor 

437-997-6821 | Melissa.pinto@york.ca 

 

THE TOWNSHIP OF KING:  

Jason Ballantyne

Communications Officer

Phone: 416-559-5093 | jballantyne@king.ca

 

LEAF:  

Justin Lewis – Marketing and Communications Lead 

416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org