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A huge thank-you to our
past and present generous
sponsors and support!
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NeighbourWoods on the Grand is a branch of the Elora Environment Centre working to rebuild the community tree canopy through tree planting, stewardship, public education and advocacy about the need for, and value of, trees.
Our mission is to advocate for the health, protection and regeneration of our urban trees through public involvement in education, celebration and stewardship.
The Roots of NeighbourWoods
In 2006, we started a grass roots movement to advocate for and promote our urban trees in Centre Wellington. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the remarkable value of urban trees, and the fact that they need help because of the tough environment they face--road salt, drought, soil compaction and air pollution.
All across the province, community groups like ours are sprouting to draw public attention to the importance of urban trees.
Why Urban Trees?
While all trees are valuable, urban trees are especially so because they can help counter the stress of urban life. They clean our air, reduce erosion and cut heating and cooling costs. They provide habitat for climbing children, birds, insects and animals. Trees transform our neighbourhoods, enliven our downtown streets, increase property values and brighten our communities. They are the only infrastructure whose value increases over time. In fact, improving our urban trees is one thing that we can all do to help the planet.
According to Environment Canada, we need 30% tree coverage to support a healthy environment. (How Much Habitat is Enough? 2004) American Forests (a leading North American urban forestry advocacy organization) recommends 40%. In Township Centre Wellington, our total tree canopy sits at between 14% and 17% (Greenlands 2008).
Trees Ontario has released an excellent report about the health benefits of trees:
Please check it out and let us know what you think: neighbourwoods@eloraenvironmentcentre.ca
How NeighbourWoods on the Grand is helping
NeighbourWoods now boasts over 50 volunteers who have planted several hundred native trees on urban boulevards and green spaces over the last 3 years. NeighbourWoods volunteers also promote planting and good tree care practices at public events and by talking with neighbours.
We are always looking for more help, especially with our tree inventory program that runs each summer. Give us a call at 519-846-0841 or check out our program page for more information.
Urban Tree Health Report
Click here to read this report.
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WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING
NEW VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR 2013
SUMMER INVENTORY.
Give us a call and find out more!
The above is an excellent guide to help you care for your trees when we're not getting rain!
WARNING: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Confirmed in Wellington County
A glimmer of hope for our Ash Trees :) - Debugging , an article from University of Toronto's magazine
Click here for the County's media release, and here for further information about the borer. It is now RESTRICTED to move wood in or out of Wellington County.
News updates:
Here is a frusterating story from Peterborough...
The removal of 35 trees to make room for electricity poles has upset several neighbours
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This picture shows an ash tree in Ottawa that is in decline due to the EAB. A good reminder that we should treat and save them here in Centre Wellington while we still can!
An article from yourhome.ca, 'Emerald Ash Borer could decimate the urban forest' urging Toronto to take action to protect it's Ash Trees from EAB, March 16, 2012.
The Emerald Ash Borer is now causing problems in the City of Kitchener, see the story 'City Infestation of Ash Trees Grow", originally published in The Record.
Potential Economic Impact of EAB
For more information on the EAB, please visit the the Canadian Forest Services' website by clicking the link below:
http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/pages/318
Urban Forest Stewardship Network
NeighbourWoods on the Grand joined 4 other communities across the province (Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and London) in a high profile public event to draw attention to the value of our urban trees and to formally launch the Urban Forest Stewardship Network -- a website showcasing activites and ideas underway by tree organizations in Ontario. Click here to see a video of the event
We're on Facebook!
See what we're up to with facebook at our new facebook page! NeighbourWoods On The Grand
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