The County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Tree Programme hit a pivotal milestone by planting its 3 millionth tree on the grounds of Wellington Place Thursday.
In 2004, the Green Legacy started out as a simple idea to plant 150,000 trees in celebration of the County’s 150th anniversary. The programme has grown significantly over the past 19 years.
A media release said the County has been able to continuously increase forest cover, plant wind breaks on farms, living snow fences on County roads and educate current and future generations on the importance trees have in the community and the environmental benefits they provide.
The Green Legacy Tree Planting Programme is the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America.
“I’d like to congratulate the County on planting its 3 millionth tree under the Green Legacy Tree Planting Programme,” said Warden Kelly Linton. “This incredible programme leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated staff at the County, the community volunteers and all the school children who have participated in the programme over the past 19 years.”
In 2010, the County’s Green Legacy Programme was recognized by the United Nations under the Billion Tree Campaign, for its significant environmental contribution.
“The 3 millionth tree honours and celebrates the individuals and organizations who have made this milestone possible,” said Allan Alls, Planning Committee Chair. “This would not have been possible without their help.”
“In a typical year, we have over 13,000 volunteers to help seed, plant, and transplant the trees throughout the County,” commented Rob Johnson the Green Legacy Programme Manager. “The last two of years have been challenging. We rely so heavily on our volunteers to help us achieve our annual planting goals. Hitting this milestone, under these difficult circumstances, is incredible.”
