Earth Day observed with tree-related events in Amherstburg

Members of town council, staff and the general public teamed up on a tree planting at Golfview Park last Saturday morning (above), a group that included Steve, Reid and River Marion (right).

Trees were both planted and given away at a pair of Earth Day events in Amherstburg on the weekend.

A tree planting event took place last Saturday morning in Golfview Park, near the entrance to the trails that surround the naturalized former settling ponds. A total of 100 trees were planted with species including Black Walnut, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Tulip Tree, Downy Serviceberry Shrub, Silver Maple, Red Maple, Bur Oak, White Cedar, Black Cherry, American Sycamore and Nannyberry Shrub.

Mayor Michael Prue thanked those who gave of their time on a chilly Saturday morning to come out. He noted the town’s environmental advisory committee declared 2025 the “Year of the Tree” in Amherstburg with Environmental Stewardship Awards now accepting nominations.

These awards will recognize outstanding community members who have demonstrated environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability in previous years. Winners will be nominated by Amherstburg residents and evaluated by the environmental advisory committee. Selection will be based on their contributions to environmental initiatives and conservation. Recipients will be awarded a custom two-inch signature coin and formally recognized at a regular council meeting in early 2026.

The “Map & Grow” program returned to the Libro Centre as well Saturday morning, with 200 trees of five different species given away. Residents could choose from Linden, London, Tulip, Red Bud or Ivory Silk Lilac trees. 

The program is held in partnership with the University of Windsor’s School of the Environment.

Director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon stated residents were lined up as early as 8 a.m. to get free trees, with the opening time scheduled for 9 a.m. She said 169 applications were filled out online prior to the event.

“We knew it would be a busy morning,” she said. “This is the best turnout we’ve had.”

In exchange for the trees, participants agreed to provide researchers long-term access to monitor and track the tree’s growth using GPS mapping. Baillargeon said university students will also go out and monitor the growth of the trees, something they have done in the three years previous.

The trees were purchased through the town’s tree planting budget and Baillargeon said the town is open for people or businesses to sponsor the program in the future.

Earth Day observed with tree-related events in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu