Annual Tree Seedling Sale
Each year during Earth/Green Week, leading up to Arbour Day, the Park in the City Committee encourages local residents, businesses and schools to plant native trees to help restore health to our urban environment. As part of the promotion, the Committee sells native seedlings for only $3.50 each. Over the last two years, more than 300 seedlings have been sold.
The Tree Seedling Sale took place on April 28th, 2012. White Pine, Black Cherry and Pin Oak tree seedlings were on sale for at 2 Niagara Falls locations; MacBain Community Centre and the Niagara Falls Farmer's Market. The Park in the City plan to once again host a tree seedling sale during the Spring of 2013.
Arbour Day Tree Planting
Each year, Arbour Day is celebrated throughout the world. It was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, USA back in 1872. Each year, the Park in the City Committee organizes a tree planting event at a City Park and/or Trail with students of one local high school and one of its feeder/elementary schools. Ontario recognizes Arbour week starting on the last day of April and it runs until Mother’s Day (May 13, 2012).
For 2012, the Park in the City Committee celebrated Arbour Day on Friday, April 27. Students and volunteers from AN Myer High School, Orchard Park Elementary School, Niagara Falls Horticultural Society, Land Care Niagara and the Park in the City Committee planted 28 trees along the Haulage Road Trail, adjacent to Solar Park. Sponsors such as Tim Hortons, Land Care Niagara, Gauld Nurseries and the Niagara Falls Horticultural Society made the event possible. The City Parks Staff played a large role in helping students plant the trees and organizing the event.
Memorial Tree Program
A Living Legacy. This new donor program aims to help beautify the City. Plan a gift that helps to create a healthy environment! The City will issue acknowledgment letters for income tax purposes for donations $10 and greater. Donor Cards are available at all local Funeral Homes, Fairview Cemetery & the City's Recreation & Culture Office. Download the Memorial Fund Donor Card in PDF format.
Naturalization & Restoration Projects:
In 2010, the Park in the City Committee partnered with members of the Niagara Falls Rotary Club, as well as visitors from an Oshawa Club, to complete the first stage of a restoration/ naturalization project in Patrick Cummings Memorial Sports Complex. On a cold and wet day, 35 volunteers planted 175 native trees and shrubs along a seasonal stream/tributary identified by the Niagara Conservation Authority as a fish habitat.
The purpose of the restoration/naturalization project is to establish a vegetative buffer along the tributary which will reduce harmful erosion and silting of the stream as well as help to shade/cool the water.
In 2011, through increased support from the Sunrise Rotary Club, Land Care Niagara, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority as well as a grant received from the Niagara Community Foundation, efforts have expanded to include the planting of native grasses, wild flowers as well as approximately 1500 native tree seedlings, 18 tall trees and 2,380 nuts. Initiatives for 2012 will ensure that naturalization and restoration projects are still a priority.
The Park in the City Committee is committed to increasing green spaces, wood lots and naturalized areas. For more information, to get involved, or to sponsor a project, please contact Recreation & Culture offices at 905 356 7521 ext. 3330.
