A Significant Grant to Help Protect Species at Risk Across Ontario

During his speech at the funding event, Mark shares a painting of a tree created by one of his grandchildren.

Trees for Life is excited to share the news that the Ontario government is providing $195,000 in funding over three years, through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program to undertake on-the-ground work. The Species at Risk Stewardship Program promotes strong environmental stewardship by providing funding for their protection, recovery, and research projects by individuals, communities, and groups across the province.

The project will contribute to restoring Ontario's plant biodiversity, including protecting the Butternut tree. In turn, Trees for Life will partner with municipalities and local communities to plant at least 3,000 seedlings of at-risk tree species annually, over the next three years. By planting healthy seedlings, the organization aims to help recover the Butternut species threatened by the wide prevalence of the Butternut Canker.

Butternut Canker is a fungal disease that spreads quickly and can kill a tree within a few years. This fungus has already had a devastating impact on North American Butternut populations.

Surveys in eastern Ontario show that most trees are infected, and perhaps one-third have already died.

However, some infected Butternut trees live for many years. Experts hope this is an indication of resistance to the disease. 

Trees for Life is thrilled to have the ongoing support of the provincial government to combat this issue and to help them achieve their commitment to support grassroots organizations to make a real impact on environmental stewardship and preserve our province's rich biodiversity for future generations.

The Cullen family’s dedication to supporting nature-based environmental efforts across Canada and in the Whitby community was also celebrated at the event.  A section of the plantings at Lynde Shores is now designated Cullen Grove. May their legacy, the beauty, and benefits of the trees planted here (and everywhere), be enjoyed by all for generations to come.