"The City of Toronto is committed to improving our environment," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "National Forest Week is a great opportunity for Toronto residents to get out and appreciate our valuable green space and talk with City staff who care for and protect our urban trees."
Crothers Woods, a 52-hectare natural area park in the Don Valley, is a popular destination for trail enthusiasts, with approximately 10 kilometres of natural surface trails. People interested in taking part in the guided hike through the Crothers Woods should register as there are limited spots. To register, email [email protected]. The hike will start at 1 p.m. at the Loblaws located at Redway Road (Overlea Boulevard and Milwood Road). Hikers should dress appropriately. Dogs on leashes are welcome. The hike will take place rain or shine, however, it may be cancelled for very inclement weather, such as high winds, lightning or heavy rain.
As part of the week-long celebrations, the City will also be launching the Every Tree Counts initiative on National Tree Day, Wednesday, September 25. The Every Tree Counts initiative will include four installations located in park areas across the city. The installations are designed to bring attention to the value of urban trees and to encourage participation in the City's free tree-planting program. The four installations will be located at High Park (Ward 13), Botany Hill Park (in Ward 43), Lawrence Park (Ward 25) and Colonel Sam Smith Park (Ward 6).
Toronto City Council adopted Toronto's Strategic Forest Management Plan earlier this year. The 10-year plan, under the stewardship of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation division, aims to increase the city's tree canopy to 40 per cent, achieve more equitable distribution of the canopy, add to the city's biodiversity, raise awareness of the benefits of trees, and promote tree stewardship in Toronto. The urban forest improves air and water quality, reduces emissions and cools temperatures, all of which improves quality of life and creates economic benefits.
Toronto's Strategic Forest Management Plan is available at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-55258.pdf.
To learn more about Every Tree Counts and the Free Tree Planting program for City-owned street property in front of your business, home or apartment, visit http://www.toronto.ca/trees or call 311.
To learn more about Urban Forestry events and initiatives visit facebook.com/NaturalEnvironmentTO. To join in the Every Tree Counts conversation on Twitter, use #EveryTreeCounts and follow @TOtrees.
More information about Crothers Woods is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/crothers.
