In about 10 years, Lambton College will have more forested areas around the London Road campus, thanks to a joint initiative.
The nuSarnia Foundation partnered with the school, Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton, and Reforest Woolwich to plant about 1,000 trees in three different areas at Lambton College.
Executive Director of nuSarnia Tristan Bassett said this is their second time working with Reforest Woolwich, a non-profit group aiming to double the canopy cover in the Township of Woolwich, located near Kitchener.
"[Reforest Woolwich Operations Manager] Mark Schwarz and his team have developed a methodology that allows them to do these large-scale projects for relatively low costs," Bassett said. "We were really impressed with the work that Mark did last fall when we brought them in to plant about 200 trees along the Midtown Trail so we brought them back this time so we could learn a little bit more about their methods and how we can continue to implement it here in Sarnia."
Bassett said the project at Lambton College would have cost approximately $20,000.
"Mark and his team have very graciously donated all of the product and labour to nuSarnia for this project," she said. "We are applying for grants and soliciting funds as much as we can to try to reimburse Mark and his team for this project and we'll continue to do so as we plan more projects like this."
Planting started early Thursday morning at the EarlyOn entrance.
Schwarz said all of the trees are native species.
"Bur oak, red oak, white oak, and Kentucky coffeetree -- which is an endangered species, American sycamore, and a couple kinds of maple -- sugar maple and red maple," Schwarz said. "These are all going to be large size trees, but the small trees and the perennials and the shrubs, they're all going to sneak in on their own. Our job is to establish the forest canopy and the rest of the plants will find their way here."
Schwarz said the trees will range in size from 50 to 80 feet tall.
"We modeled this on reforestation techniques where one person can plant 1,000 to 3,000 trees a day. We do that with a crew of three or four but we're doing extra steps -- like these shelters," he said. "The trees will start popping out of the shelters next year and then, let's say 10 years from now, these trees will be 15 to 25 feet high."
He said an urban forest or micro-forest provides many benefits, such as canopy cover, wind protection, and habitat creation.
Lambton College Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Services Spencer Dickson said they were very excited when nuSarnia approached the school about this initiative.
"It just really brings a pop to the experience of folks coming onto the [campus]," Dickson said. "This is going to be exceptional when you think about how this is going to grow over the next few years."
Dickson said the project aligns with their vision, with respect to the landscaping initiatives the school has done over the past few years and by creating a welcoming space, not just for students but residents who are walking along the Howard Watson and Midtown trails.
Bassett said residents can see the new initiative while walking in the area or by participating in their upcoming Earth Day clean-up on April 26, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Those who sign up to clean the Midtown Trail are asked to bring gloves, proper footwear, and comfortable clothing. Garbage bags, garbage pickers, water, and snacks will be provided.
The Midtown Trail runs from Lambton College to the Sarnia Bay waterfront.
Volunteers can sign up for the clean-up online.
Meanwhile, Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton will hold an Earth Day event at Sarnia Public Library on Tuesday, April 22.
Family-friendly activities will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., there will also be presenters and a Q-and-A session from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.