Stronger Than Ever
Image by master1305 on Freepik
Is there any better way to celebrate National Forest Week (September 18th-24th) and National Tree Day (September 20th), than by planting your favourite, native, tree species?
Not the first time you’ve heard this from me, but if you need a good reason, (better than the benefits that trees deliver), consider the forest fire crises we are enduring nationwide.
Unfortunately, the fires are still wreaking havoc and as you keep reading this newsletter, you’ll see how it’s impacted Trees for Life and in a very personal way, our Executive Director.
We pause. We think about how this could be. And no doubt many of you wonder, “What can one person do to minimize the impact of this national tragedy?”
I will be the first to tell you that I do not have the answer, though, like you, I wonder and sometimes worry just where it all leads us.
Planting trees in Canada’s urban environment is not the exclusive answer, but it will help. Here’s a refresher on how trees benefit us all and why we love them so much:
Urban trees provide benefits to human health that are now measured by science and without a doubt:
We breathe easier when we live with trees. They sequester carbon, suck in carbon dioxide, and exhale pure oxygen.
We live cooler with trees. A picnic blanket is always spread beneath a tree, on a hot day. You won’t have to think long about why this is so.
We enjoy economic benefits when we live with trees. Think of your favourite city to visit. Now, think again with that city stripped of its trees. I rest my case.
And finally, trees slow us down.
A well-treed street slows vehicular traffic, making them safer.
A city street featuring mature trees encourages more people to walk where they want to go. Fewer cars are driven for short distances.
And perhaps while slowing down we become more considerate of the many things we can do to prevent the ongoing heating of Mother Earth.
We will get through this together and know we can rebuild, continue to plant native trees and that we will be stronger than ever as a result.
We are excited that planting events are back. Trees for Life will be participating in a number of tree-planting events this fall - some are private employee events in partnership with corporate sponsors and others the public can join. You can read more about what’s on in this newsletter and be sure to stay tuned here and to our socials as more details become available.
Can’t plant? Donations are always welcome. A $25 donation will cover the cost of planting 4 seedlings. Why not consider making it monthly? Perhaps you have a streaming subscription that you no longer use? Cancel it and redirect the funds to Trees for Life, and plant 4 seedlings (or more), EVERY month! Please consider making a monthly pledge today. Just click the box on our website donation page after you’ve selected your desired amount that indicates “show my support by making this a recurring donation.”
Speaking of events, thanks to all who helped to make our annual golf tournament a success. This sold-out event raised over $100K getting us closer to our new campaign goal.
Thank you all for your ongoing support. Because of you, with our partners, we have planted over 3.1 million trees, and raised over $16 million and now…. we are on a new journey to plant one million more urban trees and raise $6 million over the next three years.
We are one-third of the way there, united and stronger than ever.
Will you help?
Wishing you a fantastic last weekend of summer,
Mark Cullen
Volunteer Board President, Canadian Trees For Life
www.treesforlife.ca