Naturalization and Rehabilitation

 

The Region is committed to creating and rehabilitating natural areas through the Greening Strategy. In partnership with a variety of organizations, the Region continues to positively impact the quality of our environment.

 

Achievements and Tree Planting Activities

 

• Tree Planting Efforts - Over half a million trees and shrubs have been planted through York Region naturalization initiatives and urban tree planting programs.
• The Adopt-a-Stream-Crossing Program uses volunteers from nearby schools and community groups to plant native trees and shrubs along streams near Regional roads. Landowners and families can also participate.  The purpose is to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality, while educating residents about our natural environment. Click here to view our brochure.  A partnership between York Region Natural Heritage and Forestry Services, York Environmental Stewardship and Ontario Streams makes this project work. Four to eight Regional road stream crossings are targeted for planting each spring and fall. If you are a teacher or community leader and want to get your group out planting trees, contact Pam Fulford 1-877-464-9675, Ext 5241 or forestry@york.ca.
• The York Natural Planting Partnership for Private Property is a very successful York Region program, delivered by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and financially supported by the Regional Municipality of York. This program provides financial assistance to eligible landowners who own a minimum of 0.8 hectares (2 acres) of a York Region property and want to plant trees and naturalize their property. Landscaping projects do not qualify. Planting a small forest does. Over 50,000 trees and shrubs are planted every year in this program. For more information, click on Brochure or contact Pam Fulford 1-877-464-9675, Ext 5241 or forestry@york.ca.
• Plant a Tree with LEAF- In partnership with York Region, LEAF provides trees and shrubs to residents of Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill at a subsidized price, creating greener and healthier neighbourhoods. Cost ranges from $100 to $200 and includes the site consultation, tree and planting service. Since 1996, LEAF has planted over 13,000 native trees and shrubs in residential backyards. Your tree is part of the urban forest; each individual tree plays an important role in improving the health of our urban communities. In addition to reducing energy costs by providing shade, trees work hard to sequester carbon dioxide, filter pollutants from the air, and reduce the amount of storm water that flows into our water treatment system. The presence of trees on your property or street can also increase your property value, provide natural privacy and create a more pleasant place to live. For more information, click on our York Region Backyard Planting Program Flyer or click on www.yourleaf.org to visit LEAF on-line, or call speak to a LEAF representative at 416 413-9244.
• Reforestation in York Regional Forest- A forest management plan, Hall Tract Reforestation has been completed for the recently acquired 24 ha (60 acre) parcel of new Regional Forest. The plan includes management of 8 ha (20 acres) of existing forest and reforestation of 16 ha (40 acres).
• Afforestation Guide - Technical Specifications for Planting Forests in York Region has been prepared by staff to help direct re-forestation efforts on newly secured lands and to document the cost/benefit by assessing real costs associated with securing land to be rehabilitated. Contact staff for a copy.

Contact Us: 

For more information, contact us at: forestry@york.ca

                           

 

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