THUNDER BAY – The 4th Annual Arbor Day celebration was held on Saturday May 15 at the Current River Community Centre, with 650 new trees planted in and around Boulevard Lake.
“In the last four years, close to 2,500 trees have been planted in the Boulevard Lake and Current River area,” said Councillor Andrew Foulds, who hosted and took part in the event. “I’m proud to be a part of a community that cares so much about protecting and beautifying our parks and neighbourhoods.
”This event would not be possible without the volunteers and donations from community groups and businesses. It was a beautiful day to work towards making a clean and green community for our children and grandchildren to play.”
Volunteers planted 550 coniferous seedlings and 100 potted deciduous trees. Tree planters of all ages learned about other community greening opportunities, including the Tree Stewardship Program, a cost-shared accelerated tree planting program that will have a large-caliper tree planted on your public boulevard within the next planting season at one-third the full cost.
The City of Thunder Bay’s new Notable Tree Program, which recognizes and documents significant trees in Thunder Bay and helps protect our urban forest, was also launched at the event. Nomination forms can be found at www.thunderbay.ca/Trees.
“Thunder Bay’s urban forest not only provides clean air for health and environmental benefits, it provides reduced infrastructure, heating and cooling costs, and increases property values, contributes to tourism and lowers crime rates,” said Shelley Vescio, City Forester.