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Tree planting

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Machine planting tree seedlings

Tree planting is an important and rewarding activity that improves the natural environment now and for future generations.

Not only do trees provide services like protecting soil and crops, they also buffer rivers and streams from pollutants, create habitat for birds and animals and provide communities with clean air.

Are you interested in planting trees? We have four ways you can get involved:

1. Order trees to plant yourself (landowners with more than 1 hectare)

Landowners who live in the Grand River watershed and have more than 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of land are eligible to order trees from us for spring pick-up.

  • Tree orders for spring 2023 pick-up can be reserved now through our online store, through to the end of March 2023.
    • Tree pick-ups start approximately the third week of April through to the second Wednesday in May (depending on seasonal weather conditions). The minimum order size is 200 seedlings or 20 saplings and/or potted stock. 
    • You must create an account to place an order. You will also be asked to identify your property. It must meet the size criteria of greater than 2.5 acres.
    • Your online tree order is a pre-order only. A 10% deposit is charged now, and the remaining balance is charged on March 31, 2023. 
2. Our private land tree planting program (landowners with more than 2 hectares)
Landowners interested in a large-scale tree planting project and who have at least two hectares (five acres) of land may be eligible for a site visit with a GRCA Forestry Specialist. A site visit with a Forestry Specialist includes:
  • A visit to your property to assess potential tree planting areas.
  • The creation of a custom planting plan for your property. A wide variety of deciduous and coniferous tree species are available annually. We'll create a custom planting plan that takes both the site's specific conditions and your objectives into consideration.
  • Assistance applying for grants to offset the costs of tree planting projects.
  • Arranging for the trees to be planted by contractors.

Program information

  • Grants are available through funding programs such as, Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program and the Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP). For more information about grants, visit the Landowner grants page.
  • Our planting program is geared to large-scale tree planting projects, such as farm windbreaks, wildlife corridors, block plantings, living snow fences and riparian buffers. For seedling projects, this means a minimum quantity of 1,000 trees, and for tall stock projects (saplings and/or potted stock) a minimum quantity of 50 trees.
  • Landscaping projects or sites requiring a small quantity of trees are not eligible for this program.

Contact us to apply

  • If you are interested in scheduling a site visit with a Forestry Specialist, please contact the team by email or call 519-621-2761 to have your name added to the waitlist. 
  • Please note that demand for a site visit with a Forestry Specialist is often very high. 
3. The annual end-of-season tree sale (open to everyone)

GRCA staff carrying trees

On the second Friday in May (8 a.m. to noon), we hold an end-of-season tree sale. All watershed residents (opens an online map) are welcome to purchase trees at this tree sale. First come first served.

  • The sale takes place at our Administration Centre, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge.

  • Trees that are normally available at the sale are based on cancelled orders and nursery stock overruns. This usually results in a wide variety of native trees and shrubs being available. 

  • Sizes range from small bare root and plug seedlings to potted trees and saplings.
4. Make a donation to plant a tree through the Grand River Conservation Foundation

If you are interested in supporting tree planting but don’t have the ability or space to plant trees yourself, you can donate as little as $30 to the Grand River Conservation Foundation to support tree planting initiatives on GRCA lands.

You can even donate a tree in memory of a loved one or for 'green' gift giving.

Go to the Foundation section of our website for details and information.

Tree planting fact sheets and resources

The Stewardship resources webpage has fact sheets, videos and other information to help you plan your project and care for your trees.

 

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