The Essex Region Conservation Authority has planted over 7 million trees in the community since starting its tree planting program nearly 50 years ago.
The 7 millionth tree was planted this week as part of Earth Week celebrations.
“This year’s Earth Day theme is Biodiversity, to encourage as many as possible to reconnect with nature and better understand the importance of preserving biodiversity for ecosystem balance, food security, and resilience to climate change,” said Molly Allaire, ERCA Chair. “We believe that the tree we plant today, and the seventy-thousand trees we will plant over the next six weeks, are an excellent way to commemorate this celebration of our Earth.”
Tree coverage in the region has improved significantly since ERCA was launched in 1973. At that time, only 3 per cent of the region was forested. Now, the percentage of total natural areas is 8.5 per cent.
“It is important to recognize that the biggest constraint to tree planting is the availability of land,” said Allaire. “Currently, ERCA has no vacant lands on which to plant more trees.”
The United Nations standard for environmental sustainability is 12 per cent.
This Sunday, ERCA plans to help the City of Windsor plant more than 2,200 trees along the Ganatchio Trail at Florence and Wyandotte Street. All are welcome to attend the event that starts at 10 a.m.