Tree Planting Incentives Can Save You Money - Get Involved During National Forest Week, Sept. 22-28

Trees Ontario and its 80+ partners are encouraging landowners to consider forest reforestation

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - National Forest Week is coming up, Sept. 22-28, and Trees Ontario and its partners are encouraging all Canadians to get involved in "green" initiatives and celebrate the benefits of forests.

As a landowner you may be eligible to participate in a tree planting incentive program delivered by Trees Ontario. To qualify, landowners must have a minimum of 2.5 acres (one-hectare) of land, commit to a 15-year forest management agreement and make a minimum contribution to tree planting costs. Apply this fall to begin planting next spring!

"Last spring, 13 acres of our farm near the town of Durham was planted with approximately 11,000 trees," explained landowner Phil Holst. "Trees Ontario's program makes it possible to revert larger acreage back to original cover. And the financial help is nothing short of fantastic!"

Experienced staff will assist qualified landowners in restoring and improving their property and community by supplying and planting trees. Find out if you qualify by contacting: Trees Ontario at [email protected] or 416.646.1193/1.877.646.1193.

Other ways to get involved in during National Forest Week include:

• DIY Forest: New online rebate program that helps landowners save money on seeding purchases (in quantities of 50-500).
  
  
• Tree Seedlings Gifts: Commemorate your wedding or special event by gifting native tree seedlings to attendees. Seedlings come wrapped in burlap and include a card with planting instructions.
  
  
• In Memoriam Donation: Give a gift to Trees Ontario in memory of a loved one.
  
  
• Corporate Sponsorship: Engage your employees and customers by organizing a "green" team-building event and give back to your community.
  
  
• Volunteer: Volunteering with Trees Ontario is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet people in your community and promote forest restoration efforts. Active volunteers are also be eligible for volunteer certificates, which can be used towards community service hours.

Trees are important for a number of reasons, including helping mitigate climate change (by producing oxygen and soaking up carbon dioxide), alleviating soil erosion, cleansing the air of pollutants, providing shade and windbreaks, and according to recent research contributing to improved emotional and mental health.

About Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America, is leading efforts to strengthen Ontario's tree planting infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of its tree planting partners through financial support and professional development expertise, delivering landowner incentives through cost offsetting and educating the public through awareness campaigns and community workshops. Trees Ontario is the lead delivery agent for the government of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program. The program significantly cuts landowners' costs of large-scale tree planting and boosts the number of trees planted across the province. Visit www.treesontario.ca.

Image with caption: "National Forest Week is coming up, Sept. 22-28, and Trees Ontario is encouraging Canadians to participate in one of its many "green" initiatives. (CNW Group/Trees Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130920_C9081_PHOTO_EN_31094.jpg

SOURCE: Trees Ontario

For more information, including photos, please contact:

Shelley McKay
Marketing and Communications Manager
Trees Ontario
144 Front Street West, Suite 700
Toronto, ON, M5J 2L7 
e: [email protected]
p: 416-646-1193 ext. 232

Ann-Marie Colacino
Communications Officer
Trees Ontario
144 Front Street West, Suite 700
Toronto, ON, M5J 2L7 
e: [email protected]
p: 416-646-1193 ext. 234