Mayor David Miller plants trees at 10th annual Trees Across Toronto event

TORONTO, April 24 /CNW/ - Mayor David Miller joined Members of City Council, Toronto Urban Forest Sponsors and hundreds of tireless volunteers at Earl Bales Park today for the 10th Annual Trees Across Toronto event.

"Trees Across Toronto is an excellent example of the community, corporate sponsors and City staff working together to make Toronto a greener, more liveable city," said Mayor Miller. "By volunteering time and effort Torontonians have brought us another step closer to our goal of doubling the tree canopy."

Planting events took place at four parks across the city; Earl Bales Park, McCowan District Park, Broad Acres Park and Milliken Park.

Since the inception of Trees Across Toronto in 2000, approximately 175,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted by volunteers through the Parkland Naturalization Program. Trees Across Toronto is coordinated by the City's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division and supported by 2010 Urban Forest Sponsors; The Canadian National Exhibition, Enbridge, HSBC Bank Canada, Toronto Hydro and the Toronto Parking Authority.

Toronto residents can help grow Toronto's tree canopy by planting trees on their own property, making a donation to Trees Across Toronto or by participating in other tree planting events. For more information on making a donation visit http:/www.torontoparksandtrees.org/donating.htm or call 416- 397-5178. To view the planting events schedule visit http:/www.toronto.ca/parks/tat or call 416-392-LEAF (5323)

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit our website at www.toronto.ca

For further information: Media contact: Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, [phone], [email protected]