Siblings Evie and Scott Johnstone arrived at city hall Saturday morning fully prepared for their mission.
The two youngsters each sported a lighted magnifying glass as they helped their dad, Chris Johnstone, select the perfect sugar maple sapling as part of Orillia’s salute to National Tree Day.
“They were hoping to find a tree they could climb on right away,” Johnstone said as Evie, 6, and Scott, 4, checked out a sapling that wasn’t much taller than them.
“It’ll take awhile for that, but this will help us have a nice family tree in our backyard.”
The Johnstones were just one family of many who ventured to the city hall parking lot to take home one of 150 sugar maple trees during the free giveaway.
Organized by the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee, project lead Tyler Hunt said it’s a good way to promote the importance of tree planting while also building up Orillia’s tree canopy on private lands.
“Getting trees in the ground is really the goal while also giving people the information they need to help them plant right so they’ll keep growing,” Hunt said, noting the project’s total $7,500 cost ($15 per tree through a bulk purchase) allows residents to get a tree for free that would likely cost nearly $40 if purchased through a nursery.
As well, Hunt said the tree-planting effort provides residents with a tangible way to help the environment and combat climate change - something that was underlined by demonstrations across the country Friday.
“Planting trees and vegetation is way for people to feel they’re part of the solution while helping the environment and beautifying their property.”
Two years ago, the city approved funding for the planting of five ‘majestic maples’ with the trees spread across Orillia with one each located at Tudhope Memorial Park, Homewood Park, West Orillia Sports Complex, Hillcrest Park and the new recreation facility.
EAC member Bob Bowles said while the city is working hard to protect and expand its existing tree canopy, sugar maples provide a great opportunity for residents to improve their properties.
“There is no better tree than the sugar maple,” Bowles said. “It’s our Canadian tree and part of our heritage. They need lots of space and have a big crown. These sapling trees are healthy and will become majestic maples in 50 to 60 years. Within 20 years, they will become full trees.”
Sharon Kameka said she was happy to see the city provide residents with the opportunity to grow more trees as a way to help the environment.
“I’m an environmentalist and this is really good for nature,” Kameka said as she selected a sapling. “Right now, I don’t have any trees on my property and these trees are already a good size.”
Patrick Jackson, whose father Rob Jackson worked as a city arborist for 30 years, also dropped by to pick up a sapling.
“I have a love of trees and live in West Ridge where there aren’t a lot of trees. I want to plant this for future generations to enjoy.”
Fellow city resident Andrew Horner hopes to create more green space at his home.
“I live in a new build, so the backyard is kind of barren,” Horner said. “I want to get some privacy built up.”
