Centre Wellington is helping celebrate Green Legacy’s 10th anniversary.
On Sept. 10, an official tree planting took place in Elora’s South Ridge Park next to the recently-completed accessible park.
Centre Wellington councillor Walt Visser stated the celebration includes the planting of memorial trees in every jurisdiction in Wellington County.
“What we are celebrating is that over the past 10 years, we’ve planted 1.7 million trees. Of those, 160,000 of those were distributed in 2014,” said Visser.
He added it was impressive that Grade 1 to 8 students from 37 elementary schools take part in the Green Legacy Program.
“We are teaching our youth about environmental issues and how tree canopies are important,” said Visser.
He noted that 6,550 primary students planted over 11,000 seeds in the classroom, 3,300 junior students visited the two Green Legacy tree nurseries, and 1,500 intermediate students planted over 12,000 trees in the local community. Thirty-five schools in the community will receive the Green Legacy Kids Who Care Award for the 2013-14 school year.
“It all started 10 years ago with the anniversary of Wellington County,” said Visser, explaining the question at that time was finding a way to recognize the 150th anniversary.
“The original idea was to plant 150,000 trees. Everyone said it can’t be done. Well, it was done and from there the program went on to establish its own nursery.”
He noted that with all the tree diseases out there, the tree nurseries grow their own trees from seed – specifically ones more resistant to disease.
“Trees that belong here is what we are growing here,” he said. “I think this is a momentous occasion.”
As to the tree being planted in Elora, Visser said the bur oak is known for it’s huge canopy and long life. He believed it only appropriate that it was being planted next to the playground, “and I hope the kids will be able to enjoy the tree’s shade for many years.”
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj added, “The Green Legacy Program has gone far beyond our borders. It has gone out internationally. We’ve had so many provinces, cities and countries calling us for information on how to get a program like this to start.”
She added, “The interesting part is that the startup was the easiest part of the whole thing. It’s the sustainability of it we should be proud of because (the program) keeps growing every year.” Ross-Zuj said the importance of providing tree canopies is important to improving the quality of life in the community.
“When we talk about the 10 years of the Green Legacy, we hope it will flourish for many more years to come,” she said. “With events such as last year’s ice storm and the emerald ash borer infestation threatening our community at this time, this tree planting program is vital to address some of those issues.”
She offered kudos to the county for keeping the program alive and well. Ross-Zuj sees spinoffs in Centre Wellington such as the urban forest work done through Neighbourwoods.
“I’m pleased that we are honouring the 10 years at one of our new parks,” she said.
