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Trees For Guelph kicks off 2020 planting program (8 photos)

This is their 30th planting season and first fall plant

Trees For Guelph has officially kicked off its 2020 planting program.

Residents, sponsors and volunteers gathered on Saturday morning at Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School to help plant trees and wildflowers.

Trees For Guelph project coordinator, Moritz Sanio, gave a demonstration on proper planting techniques to ensure the new plants will survive. Sanio says all plants in the program are native to the region, and were chosen specifically for each planting site.

Once they're placed in the ground, participants can also choose to name the tree they've planted. Sanio says by naming the plant, it creates a bond between them and the planter.

"Bob's a pretty popular one, Jeff is a close second." says Sanio about common tree names.

This year marks the 30th planting season for Trees for Guelph, and according to a release from the organization, It’s also their first fall planting. 

With COVID interrupting their plans to plant in spring, Trees For Guelph is now aiming to plant 1,000 potted trees and shrubs, along with 400 perennials. 

Last year, over 7,000 students and community members planted 9,500 trees, scrubs and wildflower plugs at 30 planting events  in over 26 different planting sites across Guelph. 

Two more planting events will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Howden Crescent Park, and Saturday Oct. 17 at O’Connor Lane Park.

Residents who are interested in joining future plantings must bring their own shovel, pail for water and garden gloves. Participants will also be required to wear a mask when arriving and during the demonstration.

Besides a good way for families to bond, Sanio says a lot of participants enjoy being able to help make a positive environmental impact in their community.

“It’s an opportunity to participate. It doesn’t matter if they plant one tree, or you plant five, they know they’re contributing to the improvement of the urban forests.” says Sanio.

To learn more, go to treesforguelph.ca.


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