CFN – The Raisin Region Conservation Authority is once again inviting the public to join them in celebrating Earth Day. Conifer seedlings, limited to ten per family, will be given to two hundred local residents who would like to beautify their home as well as contribute to the environment. They will be distributed on a “first come – first serve” basis. Participants of the Tree Seedling and Butternut Recovery programs will be scheduled to pick up their pre-ordered and purchased trees at a later date.
Planting tips and answers to your questions will be provided by RRCA staff such as Soil & Water Conservation Specialist Normand Génier, who says “The tree giveaway is an excellent opportunity for city residents and the local community to celebrate earth day”. He further emphasized, “aside from increasing property value and reducing wind, noise and dust levels around the house, trees also help sequester carbon from the air we breathe.”
In urban areas, trees contribute to the environment and aesthetic well being of the community as well as create or enhance wildlife habitat, provide windbreaks and cooling shade. Educational materials on nest boxes for birds and other wildlife information will also be available.
Everyone is encouraged to drop by and chat with the helpful staff and volunteers. They look forward to assisting you on Saturday, April 21st, 2012 starting at 10:00 a.m. at the workshop site of the Gray’s Creek Conservation Area & Marina Complex at 18045 County Road # 2 in Cornwall.
The trees will be watered in preparation for transport so please come equipped with a suitable protective container or plastic bag. Larger potted trees will also be available for purchase (evergreens for $10 and deciduous for $15). While the seedlings are free, donations are accepted and are critical at this time as new sponsors are now far more difficult to acquire. The funds from donations and potted trees ensure the continuation of this and other similar programs so please give generously.
We have had many trees cut down in this area (S.D.&G.) over the past couple of years. Plant some hope for tomorrow. Plant a tree or two, or three………….this spring. “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The next best time is today.” ~Chinese Proberb~