Windsor – Three parks in the City of Windsor are a little greener, thanks to the efforts of students from Herman Academy, volunteers from across the region, and with funding support from the TD Green Space Grant Program and the Arbor Day Foundation.
On Wednesday, October 25, 80 large hardwood trees were planted. Students from Herman planted at Polonia Park and AKO Park, while volunteers dodged raindrops in the late afternoon to add trees at Pykes Park, all located in the Ford City area.
“We could not be more grateful to the students of Herman Academy, their teachers, and the volunteers who came out to plant trees,” said Laura Neufeld, Outreach Coordinator with the Essex Region Conservation Authority. “In addition to helping to improve urban forest cover and taking environmental action, the participating students had an experience they won’t soon forget.”
Keith Slatford, secondary teacher at Herman Academy whose students were involved in the tree planting activities, agrees. “It was really great to see how dedicated the students were to the task,” he said. “They recognized that planting these trees provided value to their community and the environment at large, and had a legacy aspect that would carry on for generations.”
These new trees will provide much needed shade for park users. Trees have also been identified as the biggest weapon in the fight against climate change. The TD Green Space Grant program generously provided funding for these trees through the Arbor Day Foundation.
“Green spaces play a critical role in helping to create more vibrant, livable cities, which can positively impact the health of community members. Focusing on and investing in projects that lead to more equitable access to trees is crucial,” said Janice Farrell Jones, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. “We are proud to continue our support for the Arbor Day Foundation through the TD Ready Commitment to promote innovative community projects that can lead to more equitable access to green spaces, including the work being done by the Essex Region Conservation Authority in the City of Windsor.”
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province in 1973, and governed by local municipalities. For 50 years, it has delivered programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Essex Region.
TD provides funding for the grants, which are awarded annually, and the Arbor Day Foundation administers the program. TD Green Space Grants are made possible through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank’s corporate citizenship platform, aimed at helping open doors to a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.
For more information, visit arborday.org/programs/tdgreenspacegrants.
About the Arbor Day Foundation:
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. With a focus in communities and forests of greatest need, the Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters, and valued partners — has helped to plant nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries. Guided by its mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.
