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Volunteers needed for community tree-planting events

Volunteers needed for community tree-planting events

The last two years have been difficult for the South Simcoe Streams Network – with most of its community tree-planting and other events put on hold, due to COVID.

For the past 12 years, South Simcoe Streams Network, a program of Nottawasaga Futures, has worked with local schools, municipalities and environmental organizations in South Simcoe to initiate and support projects resulting in healthier streams, improved wildlife habitat and cleaner water. Its goal is to engage the public and create “community awareness and appreciation of stream and river resources.”

Among its most effective programs have been the Community Work Days, when volunteers come together to plant native trees and shrubs along local streams and rivers.

Now that COVID restrictions are lifting, the Network is back with a full line-up of community work days, and looking for volunteers willing and able to help plant native species of trees and shrubs along local streams and waterways.  

Planting events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates:

. Saturday, April 23 in the Fraser Creek Tributary at Henderson Memorial Park, Line 9 Bradford West Gwillimbury.

. Saturday, April 30 at Sheldon Creek, southwest of Alliston in Adjala-Tosorontio.

. Sunday, May 1 at Beeton Creek, in the north end of Beeton, New Tecumseth.

. Saturday, May 7 at Leonard’s Creek in Alcona, Innisfil.

. Saturday, May 14 along the Nottawasaga River, northwest of Loretto in Adjala-Tosorontio.

. Sunday, May 15 along the Nottawasaga River near Hockley Valley, Mono.

. Saturday, May 28 along the Nottawasaga River at Gold Park Gate in Essa Township.

Anyone wishing to participate in a planting event is asked to register at here or contact Silva Pedrazzi, at silvia@nottawasaga.com or 705-440-9129 for more information.

Please indicate which planting event you wish to participate in. Volunteers will be provided with a waiver and a volunteer checklist; masking is encouraged.

South Simcoe Streams Network invites all environmentally-minded residents to come out, enjoy the out-of-doors and a friendly community atmosphere, while participating in an orientation at each site and helping to support the environment by restoring natural habitat. Students will earn community service hours.

Community Work Days are made possible in part with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Dufferin-Simcoe Land Stewardship Network-County of Simcoe Tree Program, as well as funding from Conservation Authorities, landowners, industry and businesses, local municipalities, schools, service and outdoor clubs – and volunteers.

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LC officials plan tree-planting, educational events – American Press

LC officials plan tree-planting, educational events - American Press

Lake Charles officials announced Tuesday several tree-planting and educational events throughout the city to help restore the many trees lost during Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
During a news conference at City Hall, Mayor Nic Hunter announced the events for the city’s ReTreeLC initiative. A tree planting and park improvement project is set for Feb. 18 at Mary Belle Williams Park, 2009 N. Simmons St. Additional events are scheduled in March and April.
ReTreeLC was launched last December, with more than 350 trees donated by Firestone Polymers planted at Hillcrest, Grace & Medora and Buddy Prejean parks. The goal, Hunter said, is to renew the tree canopy in Lake Charles “in a sustainable and resilient way.”

Here are other upcoming ReTreeLC events:
•    March 11: Tree plantings at Lock Park, 1535 Ryan St., and Columbus Circle Park, 3520 Greinwich Blvd. Cheniere Energy is partnering in the effort.
•    March 12: The SWLA Master Naturalists will host a tree-centered educational event from 9 a.m.-noon at Hillcrest Park, 2808 Hillcrest Drive.
•    March 30: Sasol and city will host an open house on post-hurricane plans to redesign Tuten Park from 5-7 p.m. at the park, 3801 Nelson Road.
•    April 2: The city and McNeese State University will host an event to learn more about the Sallier Oak and live oak trees from 9 a.m.-noon at Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier St.
•    April 23: To celebrate Earth Day, Firestone Polymers will distribute trees for planting from 9 a.m.-noon at Hillcrest Park.
•    A tree planting that partners Tellurian is set for sometime in April at McMillan Park, 343 Goos St., and J.D. Clifton Park 2415 E. Gieffers St.
ReTreeLC is part of the city’s Partners in Parks program. Established in July 2018, it seeks to invest in park improvements and host family-friendly activities at parks citywide.
“Sometimes, we forget about those assets for the city,” Hunter said.
An $85,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program for Louisiana will help complete the walking trail along First Avenue. This funding brings the total support for Partners in Parks to $1 million, with no burden to taxpayers, Hunter said.
Hunter encouraged businesses and nonprofits to host events through the Partners in Parks program. Donations can be made to the Partners in Parks fund through the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.
Hunter encouraged residents who plant a new tree on their property to take a picture and post it on social media with #ReTreeLC.
To get involved in ReTreeLC, call Al Williams at 491-1203 or email alfred.williams@cityoflc.us.

Online: cityoflakecharles.com/ReTreeLC