Then and Now: The Ongoing Impact of National Tree Day Planting Events

As the 13th edition of National Tree Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of our past planting sites and celebrate the lasting impact that volunteers have made. Over the years, Tree Canada has partnered with communities across the country to plant trees at events that not only enhance our environment but also strengthen our connection to nature.

Today we revisit two important sites— Totoredaca Park in Mississauga, ON, and Mount Royal Park in Montreal, QC—where we’re excited to support community-driven urban forestry efforts again in 2024.

Mississauga, Ontario

Totoredaca Park

In 2022, we celebrated National Tree Day at Totoredaca Park, where 200 dedicated volunteers helped plant 600 trees. This year, the City of Mississauga will help support 400 volunteers to plant 600 more trees and 400 shrubs, as well as mulch and remove invasive species like buckthorn.

Environmental Significance: Mississauga, home to an estimated 2.1 million trees, boasted a canopy cover of approximately 19% as of 2023. Our contributions have supported the city’s ambitious goal of planting 1 million trees by 2032 as part of the One Million Trees program. This year’s efforts are part of a broader Urban Forest Management Plan aimed at mitigating and reversing climate change through natural carbon sinks. Totoredaca Park, surrounded by industrial areas, is a crucial link in a network of naturalized spaces that form a vital wildlife corridor.

Purpose of Planting: This year’s planting will add 0.25 hectares to the existing naturalized area, increasing it from 0.5 to 0.75 hectares. The goal is to create a buffer around the park’s dog area and expand the green space, making it more resilient to the surrounding urban environment. This expansion not only improves the park’s biodiversity but also enhances the city’s efforts to connect natural environments and expand its tree canopy.

Impact on the Community: The ongoing naturalization of Totoredaca Park has brought numerous benefits to the community, such as improved air quality. As these newly planted trees mature, they will further enhance the park’s role as a green oasis in an industrialized area. The project aligns with Mississauga’s Strategic Plan, contributing to the city’s vision of a greener, healthier urban environment.

Montreal, Quebec

Mount Royal Park

Thanks to our partnership with Les Amis de la montagne, we’ve been able to celebrate National Tree Day six times at Mount Royal Park in Montreal, and we look forward to a seventh event this year!

Environmental Significance: From 2021 to 2023, volunteers contributed to the revitalization of the Brackenfell sector, planting trees and shrubs in an area that was particularly eroded and devoid of vegetation. Thanks to our National Tree Day plantings and Les Amis’ Environmental Stewardship Program, the area has been revitalized. Over 1,500 trees and shrubs now thrive here, creating a resilient environment where local flora and fauna flourish. The park offers a home to various bird species, including the Eastern wood peewee and Barred Owl.

Purpose of Planting: For 2024, our focus shifts to the Summit sector, where invasive alien plant species (IAPS) pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem. An infestation by the emerald ash borer has led to extensive tree loss, creating clearings that are vulnerable to IAPS invasion. Reforesting this area is essential to increasing its diversity and resilience, ensuring that the forest can recover and thrive in the face of these challenges.

Impact on the Community: The benefits that Mount Royal Park provides to the community are rooted in the quality of the efforts to conserve and enhance the park’s natural, landscape, and cultural heritage. The ongoing reforestation and management of invasive species not only restore ecological balance but also reinforce the park’s role as a cherished public asset. These actions ensure that Mount Royal continues to be a vibrant, resilient green space that will serve the community for generations to come.