ERCA celebrates the planting of seven millionth tree in region

The Essex Region Conservation Authority planted its seven millionth tree last Thursday at Maidstone Woods Conservation Area. From left: Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, ERCA chair Molly Allaire, ERCA CAO Tim Byrne and Caldwell First Nation chief Nikki Van Oirschot.

It was a time to celebrate a milestone for the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).

ERCA planted its seven millionth tree last Thursday morning at Maidstone Woods Conservation Area, something that was done as part of Earth Week. ERCA chair Molly Allaire said the tree that was the seven millionth was also one of 70,000 trees that will be planted over the next six weeks as a way to enhance regional biodiversity. She noted the theme of Earth Day this year is biodiversity, something she said is “to encourage as many as possible to reconnect with nature and better understand the importance of preserving biodiversity for ecosystem balance, food security, and resilience to climate change.”

Allaire pointed out that the Maidstone Woods Conservation Area was ERCA’s first conservation area when it was acquired in 1974.

“We thought it would be a great location to celebrate the milestone,” she said.

Calling it a “tremendous achievement,” Allaire thanked the community as well as ERCA staff both past and present.

“Over the past five decades, with the help of thousands of volunteers, support from hundreds of landowners, and the financial assistance from many donors and the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, forest coverage in our region has expanded to 5.4 per cent, and the percentage of total natural areas now measures 8.5 per cent,” Allaire stated.

The United Nations standard for environmental sustainability is 12 per cent.

“It is important to recognize that the biggest constraint to tree planting is the availability of land,” she said. “Currently, ERCA has no vacant lands on which to plant more trees.” 

Allaire challenged the community to advocate to municipalities and others to identify areas where reforestation can take place. ERCA also accepts donations of lands suitable for restoration purposes.

“We’re more than willing to help plant the trees,” she said.

Caldwell First Nation Chief Nikki van Oirschot indicated there is a shared commitment to life, restoration and the future. She said she was taught about reciprocity, that “what we take we must give back.” 

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey represented the municipality where the tree is located and said the seven millionth tree is a testament to the work ERCA has been doing for the last 50 years. 

“It’s also the perfect symbol of your success,” said Bailey. 

Like a tree, Bailey said ERCA’s roots run deep in the region and compared the branches of a tree to the conservation authority branching out and partnering with municipalities, groups, businesses, schools and individuals around the county. She said the celebration wasn’t just about what ERCA has accomplished, but what they continue to do by working together.

ERCA CAO Tim Bryne called the accomplishment “amazing” and told reporters after the ceremony he was pleased with the County of Essex’s recent Official Plan update which calls for 15 per cent natural cover in the area.

“We’re working closely with the County of Essex to achieve that goal,” he said.

Byrne acknowledged funding is always a challenge but he added it is becoming more difficult to find land suitable for restoration. He put a call out for land no longer suitable for farming or for developers with surplus lands.

“People need to realize that we will not be here if these areas are not here,” he said.

ERCA celebrates the planting of seven millionth tree in region

By Ron Giofu