ERCA Plants 7 Millionth Tree

From left: Chief Nikki van Oirschot of Caldwell First Nation, ERCA Chair Molly Allaire, ERCA CAO Tim Byrne and Mayor Tracey Bailey of Lakeshore plant ERCA’s 7 millionth tree – a native Basswood, at Maidstone Woods Conservation Area.

Lakeshore – Dozens of guests gathered at Maidstone Woods Conservation Area today to join the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s in planting its 7 millionth tree 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.” 

When ERCA was established in 1973, less than 3% of the Essex region was forested. The tree planting program began in 1976, and 32,000 trees were added to the regional landscape in that first year. At its peak, ERCA planted nearly a quarter million trees in a single year.

“Over the past five decades, with the help of thousands of volunteers, support from hundreds of landowners, and the financial assistance from many donors and the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, forest coverage in our region has expanded to 5.4%, and the percentage of total natural areas now measures 8.5%,’ Allaire added.

But, she cautioned, there’s a long way to go to achieve the United Nations standard for environmental sustainability, which is 12%. “It is important to recognize that the biggest constraint to tree planting is the availability of land,” she said. “Currently, ERCA has no vacant lands on which to plant more trees.” She urged guests to advocate to municipalities and others to identify areas where reforestation can take place. ERCA also accepts donations of lands suitable for restoration purposes.

“Congratulations to the Essex Region Conservation Authority on this incredible accomplishment," said Mayor Tracey Bailey from the Municipality of Lakeshore. "After more than 50 years of service to our communities, the 7 millionth tree serves as another reminder of the long-term and positive impact the authority has had on our region and local environment.”

ERCA will continue celebrating Earth Day® on Sunday, April 27 with a community tree planting in the City of Windsor, along the Ganatchio Trail at Florence and Wyandotte. More than 2,200 trees will be planted with support from ENWIN, Tree Canada and Green Sun Rising. The event begins at 10am and all are welcome to attend.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has provided the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.