Trees by the Shore Welcomes David Usher's Support

OTTAWA, May 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Trees by the Shore, an innovative national initiative that aims to sustain urban forests throughout our country, is celebrating its 1st anniversary by welcoming Juno Award winning musician David Usher as a supporter of the program.

The program brings together school children, Girl Guides, Scouts and local conservation groups to plant over 37,000 native trees along waterways in 25 Canadian communities. Included in the program are lesson plans whereby students will learn about the benefits of trees including; maintaining water quality, minimizing soil erosion and providing habitat for wildlife.

David Usher will be kicking off his support for the program in Cantley, Québec on May 15th where approximately 1,500 trees will be planted along the shore of the Gatineau River by members of Les Amis du Parc Mary Anne Phillips.

"We are so pleased to be welcoming David Usher's support for our program as we conduct this planting in Cantley," said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. "Trees by the Shore shows us how interconnected trees are with the natural world and provides a lasting environmental legacy in each community that participates."

"David is a nationally recognized Canadian musical talent and a friend of the environment. He is lending his support to Trees by the Shore to help us bring attention to the need to plant more trees in urban locations across the country", says Mr. Rosen.

The program is funded by Tree Canada in conjunction with their corporate partner Irving Tissue and their Majesta brand of tissue products.

"The Irving name is synonymous with progressive forestry practices in Canada," said Michael Rosen. "We are so proud to be associated with this great Canadian company and their Majesta brand of paper products. Together with the Majesta brand, we bring communities together to learn, understand and protect the natural spaces where they live," he said.

About Tree Canada

Tree Canada is a charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. A winner of the Canadian Environmental Award (2007), 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. To date, more than 75 million trees have been planted and more than 450 schoolyards have been greened. www.treecanada.ca

For further information: Melissa Nisbett, Communications and Marketing Officer, Tree Canada, Email: [email protected], Tel.: [phone], ext. 224; To set up an interview: Carrie Croft, Consultant, Thornley Fallis Communications, Email: [email protected], Tel.: [phone] x227, Cel.: [phone]