Tree Canada to support 150 community greening initiatives nationwide

 'Tree to Our Nature' program celebrates Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation  

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Proud to be a part of Canada 150, the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation, Tree Canada, the nation's leader in tree-related programs and resources, today announced an exciting, new initiative, Tree to Our Nature, that will support 150 community greening projects across the country.

Starting today, municipalities, community organizations, groups, schools and associations nationwide can apply to have a planting event held in their area. By sponsoring Tree Canada directly, businesses can also become involved by providing funding and volunteer labour to increase the scope of the projects.

"Tree Canada is now celebrating our 25th anniversary, so it's obviously a tremendous honour to have been selected to take part in the Canada 150 celebrations," said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. "Trees are a symbol of growth, strength, sustainability, hope, and peace, and this is the perfect way to recognize the importance of trees and the environment to Canada's legacy. In addition to allowing us to engage with people from coast to coast, the Tree to Our Nature program will really highlight the diversity of Canadians and Canadian communities."

"The environment is one of the major themes at the heart of the celebrations for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. We will reaffirm our commitment to preserving our natural environment and becoming more environmentally conscious," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "Thanks to this project by Tree Canada, communities across the country will come together to carry out 150 community greening projects that include planting trees and revitalizing green spaces. In 2017, let's be the guardians of our environment and leave a lasting legacy for tomorrow's Canadians."

Each of the 150 selected plantings will honour Canada's legacy by including at least one native maple, the appropriate provincial or territorial emblem tree, and a First Nation's symbolic tree. Tree Canada will give special consideration to applications from visible minority groups and low income areas, but applicants from all sectors will be considered. For more details, please visit https://treecanada.ca/en/programs/tree-our-nature/ and see below.

How to Apply:

Community Organizations, Groups, Schools, and Associations: Connect with your local municipality to identify a local park, recreation area, or school ground in need, and apply for funding through the Tree to Our Nature, Canada 150 Legacy Program.
https://treecanada.ca/en/programs/tree-our-nature/who-can-apply/community-organization-group-school-or-association/

Canadian Corporations and Businesses: Commemorate Canada's 150^th anniversary by partnering with local community groups to increase funding, and supply volunteer labour.
https://treecanada.ca/en/programs/tree-our-nature/who-can-apply/canadian-business-or-corporation/

Individuals: Encourage your local municipality to apply, and attend legacy events to help plant trees and celebrate Canadian culture.
https://treecanada.ca/en/programs/tree-our-nature/who-can-apply/individuals/

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 twelve national urban forest conferences. The next Canadian Urban Forest Conference will take place in Vancouver, BC in 2018. More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.

SOURCE Tree Canada

Image with caption: "Tree Canada (CNW Group/Tree Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161206_C1341_PHOTO_EN_832299.jpg

Image with caption: "Canada 150 (CNW Group/Tree Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161206_C1341_PHOTO_EN_832297.jpg

Monette Gauvreau, Communications Officer - Tree Canada, [phone] ext 227