Residents Set Seedling Sale Record

Local landowners break record, will plant more than 14,500 trees this year

NEWMARKET, ON - May 16, 2017 – Thanks to local residents, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is breaking tree planting records. LSRCA's do-it-yourself (DIY) seedling sale saw more than 14,500 tree and shrub seedlings go to landowners across York, Simcoe and Durham for planting this spring.

"At a time when we're losing trees because of invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer, it's great to see record sales" says Paul Cottenden, forest technician at LSRCA. "It's easy to forget that at one time, most of southern Ontario was one big forest. Naturally, we're thrilled to provide affordable opportunities for residents to help add as many trees as possible to the landscape." Paul added.

Ron and Susan Mitchell, repeat buyers from Kettleby, bought another 150 seedlings this year. "The trees we purchased last year were a great investment, with around a 90% success rate. We're doing our small part again this year," says Ron. The O'Brien and La Grutta families from Newmarket are making planting a family event and Neil Taylor, a first time DIY seedling buyer, is creating a 300-seedling windbreak in Uxbridge.     

Conservation Authorities like LSRCA, subsidize seedlings and promote tree planting because trees are constantly working for us. Once trees are established, they can reduce erosion and flooding, and act as windbreaks to shelter areas from wind and blowing snow. Trees also provide special places for us to enjoy passive or active recreation, as well as habitat for our feathered and furry friends. 

LSRCA forestry staff like Paul can help landowners every step of the way with tree planting, from funding and planning to planting and tending your growing forest. LSRCA's full-service planting program includes a customized planting plan and specialized equipment to undertake the planting. Landowners may also qualify for a funding grant to cover up to 90 per cent of the costs.

If you missed this year's sale, there's always next year. Visit www.lsrca.on.ca/DIYPlanting and join our mailing list. We'll email you the details so you can be first in line for more than 12 species before we sell out!