Spring 2025 Tree Planting Season Wraps Up with 32,000 Trees Planted
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) recently finished another successful tree planting season with just over 32,000 trees and shrubs planted and distributed. More than 30 landowners in the watershed took advantage of the UTRCA planting services. In addition to the crew鈥檚 efforts, another 93 landowners undertook planting on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on their property. 鈥�
The cooler temperatures and ample moisture throughout April and May were ideal for planting. Forestry staff and a crew of four braved heat, rain, snow and wind. Approximately 350 hardwoods and 1,680 potted and balled and burlap conifer trees were planted through the UTRCA鈥檚 Private Lands Large Stock Program. Many were naturalization projects, helping to improve watershed health by restoring natural areas or bulking up woodlots. Other projects included windbreaks around farm buildings and along agricultural fields, and establishing trees and shrubs around newly constructed wetlands. Four volunteers from the Thames River Anglers Association joined the crew for a day to assist in planting a buffer along a watercourse to enhance fish habitat.
The seedlings arrived in late April. Machine planting started on May 5 and approximately 25,000 seedlings were planted within a two-week period. The staff enjoyed working closely with the landowners, helping them create wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, sequester carbon, and establish recreational opportunities. The rainy weather has given the trees a good start in their new home.
One notable project was the retirement of a hay field for a multigenerational family farm. This farm has one of the oldest tree planting sites in Ontario. It was originally planted as a test site in the early 1900鈥檚 in an effort to retire highly erodible land throughout the province. Remnants of this old plantation are still evident today.
We are looking forward to connecting with new landowners, and to start planning for next year鈥檚 planting season. Thanks to our many funding partners, grants of upwards of 80% are available for seedling projects.鈥疘f you would like to plant trees on your property in 2026, please reach out to staff to arrange a site visit or complete this:鈥�
