A generous grant from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation assisted with the planting of hundreds of native trees and bringing the community of Stratford together.
With clear skies and a warm breeze, the volunteers set out to plant 300 trees on Tuesday. The remaining 100 trees will be planted the following day.
“It is great to be outside on a beautiful day like today. We are able to get back as a community to things we were doing before, and I think we appreciate it more,” said Karen Pugh, resource specialist with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
The two-day event brought out approximately 24 volunteers on the first day.
Organizations such as Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and ReLeaf Stratford worked together to reach Stratford’s goal of planting 2022 trees in 2022.
Planting began at TJ Dolan Natural area near Christian Reformed Church of Stratford. By 9 a.m., participants were well on their way to reaching their goal. The $6,025 grant was provided to help restore loss of habitat and prevent the disappearance of native birds and animal species.
Don Farwell, coordinator of the Stratford Area and Master Gardeners, said the TJ Dolan Natural area is in need of care after being “grassed over”. Planting hundreds of trees will support birds and pollinators while increasing the tree canopy.
“I love the volunteers who came out. We are really grateful for all of the volunteers and funding from TD — we couldn’t do it without them,” said Farwell.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation has a goal of planting one million trees by 2030.
