Community Roots Tree Planting Program Kick off at Bannerman Park

Today, the City of St. John’s celebrated Arbor Day and the Community Roots Tree Planting Program with a tree planting ceremony in Bannerman Park. 

“Today’s Arbor Day celebration is the official kick off for the Community Roots Tree Planting Program,” said Councillor Danny Breen, Chair of the Public Works Standing Committee. “There are many residential areas lacking trees and through this initiative we will fill some of the gaps in our urban forest to enhance our communities and neighbourhoods.”

Funding for this initiative has been provided through a $25,000 grant from Tree Canada and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Since the tree planting program was announced in April, City staff have received over 250 applications from residents wishing to participate, of which 150 have been selected.

"Growing the tree canopy in urban centres is vital for the health of Canadian communities and all the people who live in them," said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. "The TD Green Streets program has helped build thriving urban forests in hundreds of Canadian communities, so I would again like to thank TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for its tremendous support and generosity over the years."  

The tree planting project will improve the residential street and sidewalk canopy within the City of St. John’s while empowering and engaging residents to participate by caring for individual trees.

Further information about tree maintenance is available on the City’s website.
 
Media Contacts:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
 
Richard Walker
Tree Canada
613-567-5545 ext. 224
rwalker@treecanada.ca