True North, Strong and Free with an Abundance of Maples and More
I marvel at the diversity of Canada — the people, cultures, perspectives, topography, wildlife and so much more. We are a better and stronger nation for this diversity, and it is our responsibility to protect it for our children and grandchildren.
While we all have different ideas of what it means to be intrinsically “Canadian,” one thing that I think almost all of us would agree on is the deep connection that we share with nature, and how important it is to our health and well-being. Trees for Life wants to uphold this vision of Canada for future generations, and you are helping us do that. Together, we help communities plant more native trees than they would have been able to alone.
You might wonder at the incredible range of plants and trees that grow here. From the towering Fir trees of the west coast, the mighty Boreal forest, the tiny cedars on the Niagara escarpment, to the remarkable range of species in and near our southernmost cities, Canada’s geographic expanse means that we see diversity in landscapes as we move from east to west, and north to south.
You might wonder why the focus of our tree planting campaign is on native species. After all, there are many cultivars from other parts of the world that grow well here, they often look great and can make an environmental contribution, as long as they are not invasive.
Through years of experience, we have discovered that native trees tolerate our long, cold winters well; can adapt to our changing environment; attract and provide essential habitat for a host of beneficial insects, songbirds and other wildlife; and more than anything, are reliable performers in the long run. We rely on these species to maintain our shorelines, prop up our food systems, and prevent flooding and erosion --- they work for us, they love being part of Canada as we do!
Many of the native trees that Trees for Life plants are native maples. Of these, one of our favourites is the Sugar Maple (acer saccarum). Why? The sugar maple produces gorgeous foliage colours come autumn; they are naturally adapted to the environment, site conditions and local climate; they are resistant to severe weather events; pest problems tend to be minimal; and they provide valuable environmental services, including air and water filtration, soil erosion and dust control, and surface water run-off management. Oh, and the sap they produce makes a syrup that the world envies!
The maple leaf appears on our national flag. Our trees and forests are part of our national identity.
Here at Trees For Life, we are committed to helping communities plant more trees. Help us – perhaps plant a Hero Tree, a maple tree, a living, breathing symbol of Canada for someone special in your life this summer! Go to TreesforLife.ca to learn more.
Wishing you a very happy Canada Day.
Mark Cullen,
Co-founding Chair of Canadian Trees For Life
On behalf of our volunteer and dedicated staff team
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