Tree Canada's National Tree Day grows into a truly nationwide event

Tree planting events will help spruce up 13 cities across the country

OTTAWA, Sept. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Tree Canada, the nation's leader in tree-related programs and resources, and TELUS are celebrating National Tree Day on September 21 with tree planting events in provincial capitals across Canada. Attended by prominent federal, provincial and municipal officials, the events celebrate the positive impact trees have on Canadian communities.

This year, TELUS, a longtime supporter of National Tree Day, is contributing $25,000 to the Canada-wide celebration. In Ottawa, Tree Canada will host a National Tree Day event at Vincent Massey Park with a ceremonial tree planting. Other participating cities include St. John's, NL; Halifax, NS; Charlottetown, PE; Fredericton, NB; Quebec, QC; Toronto, ON; Winnipeg, MB; Regina, SK; Edmonton, AB; Victoria, BC; Whitehorse, YK; and Yellowknife, NT.

"We're excited and proud to see momentum build for National Tree Day, and of course thankful for TELUS' continuing support," said Michael Rosen, president of Tree Canada. "Each year, National Tree Day grows in size and importance, reflecting Canadians' desire to protect and celebrate our natural heritage. Today, it's incredible to see Canadians of all ages demonstrating their support and commitment to our urban and rural forests." 

Tree Canada has been a driving force behind the establishment of a National Tree Day in Canada. Each year, it falls on the Wednesday of National Forest Week, celebrating the value of trees to Canadian communities. Canadians can learn about National Tree Day events in their area through Tree Canada's National Tree Day site, www.nationaltreeday.ca.

Over the past 25 years, Tree Canada has planted over 80 million trees and greened more than 580 schoolyards across the country. The national non-profit organization engages communities, governments, corporations and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment, by providing Canadians with education, technical expertise, and resources to plant and care for urban and rural trees.

Tree Canada is committed to working with corporate partners such as TELUS, government, and individual partners on tree-planting programs, including providing "ReLeaf" to areas suffering damage from natural disasters such as Fort McMurray, AB, as well as offering funding to communities for fruit-bearing trees, greening school grounds, and more.

About Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments.  Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. Since 1992, more than 80 million trees have been planted, over 580 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has helped organize eleven national urban forest conferences. The next Canadian Urban Forest Conference will take place in Laval, QC in 2016. More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.

SOURCE Tree Canada

Image with caption: "National Tree Day is a day where Canadians can celebrate trees and the many benefits they provide, like cleaner air, habitat for wildlife, and even energy savings. (CNW Group/Tree Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160921_C8816_PHOTO_EN_777634.jpg

Richard Walker, Director of Communications & Program Development Tree Canada, Tel: [phone] ext. 224, [email protected]