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Turn a Loonie into a Lasting Legacy

'Low Cost, Big Value' Tree Seedlings for Sale

NEWMARKET, ON – February 12, 2016 – A dollar really can make a difference… and that difference can last a lifetime. Each winter, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) puts on its Do-It-Yourself tree seedling program, with prices as low as 59 cents per seedling. Because trees are such a good return on investment, and we buy them in bulk, we pass the savings on to you to help get you planting on your property. The only catch - you have to order a minimum of 100. 

We promote tree planting so heavily because forests provide us with important ecosystem services we all need. They soak up water and filter pollution. Their roots bind soil and prevent erosion. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen. Trees create beautiful views, new spaces for recreation, and even help you save on energy costs.

All the work done by forests adds up. When calculated, the value of these key forest services amounts to $319 million dollars every year, according to a report submitted to the David Suzuki Foundation in 2008, entitled "Lake Simcoe Basin's Natural Capital: The Value of the Watershed's Ecosystem Services".

"This makes sense when you imagine the cost of having us engineer all these services ourselves. If you think about it like that, the role of forests is incredible!" says Paul Cottenden, LSRCA's Forest Technician. "This point is not lost on some of our longstanding customers who make a habit of planting a few hundred seedlings every year and now have healthy forests to show for their efforts." Paul adds.

Through our seedling program, we offer an affordable option to get growing. We sell native tree seedlings that have been carefully selected to thrive in our climate and under our local planting conditions. Seedling prices range from $0.59 to $1.32 each plus taxes and handling, and include species such as White Pine, Tamarack, White Cedar and others. They can be reserved online at: www.LSRCA.on.ca/forestry. Ordering closes on March 24, 2016.  

For landowners with over 2 acres of land, we also offer full-service planting. We can help with putting together a planting plan, coordinate grant applications and plant the trees ourselves, using specialized equipment. We have experience with large projects and can get as many as 5,000 seedlings in the ground in one day.

Still not sure or new to tree planting? Then call Paul Cottenden. He has more than 30 years of forestry experience and would love to share his knowledge. There's no cost or obligation. Paul can be reached at 905-895-1281, ext. 245, or toll free at 1-800-465-0437.