Local volunteers ‘dug in’ to plant 500 trees at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park
Five-hundred new trees and shrubs have found a home in Vaughan! On May 9, Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council, City of Vaughan staff and dedicated local volunteers came together for a community tree-planting event at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park (299 Racco Pkwy), in partnership with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF).
Trees have so many benefits – they help provide oxygen, improve mental and physical health, and offer habitats, food and other resources for many animal species. Vaughan’s vision is to foster a healthy, growing and sustainable urban forest that supports biodiversity, human health, recreation and community resilience. Tree-planting initiatives like this one help reinforce the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Interested in becoming a Green Guardian by planning your own event? As a community member, non-profit or business, consider initiating a planting event in your neighbourhood! You can also plan your own litter cleanup in one of Vaughan’s public spaces or even adopt your local park! Get started at vaughan.ca/GreenGuardians.
Vaughan’s approach is guided by several strategies, including the Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy (PDF), Urban Forest Management Plan (PDF), Woodland Management Strategy (PDF), and Green Directions Vaughan. The City is always working on ways to enhance its environmental stewardship, with new strategies in the works to guide tree-planting initiatives, and tree removals and replacements.
Watch this video to learn more about the importance of planning for the future of Vaughan’s trees or visit vaughan.ca/UrbanForest.
QUOTE
“With the arrival of spring, planting season is officially here – and with it comes a wonderful opportunity to come together and make a lasting, positive impact on our community. Vaughan is blessed to be home to several remarkable parks and greenspaces, and it is vital for the City to be their biggest champion. I want to thank all the volunteers who took part in the tree-planting event at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park. Events like this help strengthen our urban forest, enhance local greenspaces and contribute to an even healthier environment for generations to come. Together, we can help Vaughan continue to grow greener and more vibrant.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
QUICK FACTS
Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council, City staff and local volunteers planted 500 trees at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park (299 Racco Pkwy) on May 9.
The City developed the tree-planting event in partnership with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), a non-profit organization.
The City has been recognized as a Tree City of the World for four consecutive years.
The City’s Urban Forest Management Plan (PDF) has five goals: to prioritize good program governance, maintain a healthy and safe urban forest, expand the urban forest canopy and associated benefits, protect trees and woodlands for future generations, and partner in urban forest stewardship.
The City’s Woodland Management Strategy (PDF) aligns with the priorities set out in the Urban Forest Management Plan and serves as a roadmap for maintaining and enhancing City-owned woodlands.
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