Tree Planting Will Leave Legacy for Those Who've Served

Oshawa Tree Planting Event Commemorates Remembrance Day

OSHAWA, ON, Nov. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - In recognition of Remembrance Day, Forests Ontario, Trees For Life, the Region of Durham and City of Oshawa hosted a community tree planting event at Lakefront West Park in Oshawa. The event took place on the site of a significant historical Canadian military installation that served as a spy training centre ("Camp X") during WWII. Camp X is famously known as the place where author Roald Dahl trained during the war, and it is rumored that author Ian Fleming may have also been among the trainees at the base.

The community event brought together veterans, active military personnel, families, community members and volunteers to take part in a half-day tree planting activity. The morning began with opening remarks from Forests Ontario CEO Rob Keen, who welcomed participants to the event and reflected on the significance of the work being done to re-green the area.

"The trees we plant will leave a legacy for future generations," said Keen. "Our actions today will not only help to address climate change but will also stand to honour our veterans and active military personnel who have demonstrated such bravery."

Following the remarks, participants recognized a moment of silence as a way to acknowledge the contribution of veterans and military personnel across Canada in honour of Remembrance Day.  Eleanor McMahon, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and City of Oshawa Mayor John Henry and members of Council were also on hand to support the cause and participate in the planting.

Mark Cullen, Chair of Trees for Life Canada participated in the event and said, "We are proud to support this endeavour as a lasting tribute to our Canadian war heroes. We will succeed in reaching our urban tree planting goals by working with partners like Forests Ontario."

In total, 400 trees of 15 varieties were planted along the waterfront. In anticipation of climate change, many Carolinian species, such as the tulip tree, bitternut hickory and hackberry, were chosen for the event.

Participants enjoyed the chance to directly support their community in a local reforestation project and learned about the benefits of tree planting and green urban spaces.

Image with caption: "Over 120 veterans and community members take part in re-greening Oshawa to plant 400 trees at Lakefront West Park. (CNW Group/Trees Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141109_C6256_PHOTO_EN_7759.jpg

SOURCE: Trees Ontario

For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact: Shelley McKay, Director of Communications & Development, Forests Ontario, 416.619.0783, [email protected]; Tania Laverty, Manager, Communications, The Regional Municipality of Durham, 905.668.7711 ext. 3813, [email protected]; Councillor Bob Chapman, Chair, Community Services Committee, City of Oshawa, 905.436.5619, [email protected]; Councillor Doug Sanders, Vice-Chair, Corporate Services, City of Oshawa, 905.436.5603, [email protected]