Town active on Earth Day with tree giveaways and plantings

David Kroker got some help from his daughters Emerald and Oakley at Jack Purdie Park.

The Town of Amherstburg continues to do more than its fair share of providing shade for its residents.

A total of 100 trees were planted at Jack Purdie Park on Richmond St. last Saturday morning, and once again free trees were give out at the Libro Centre as part of the “Map and Grow” program.

It was all part of Earth Day celebrations and according to the town’s director of parks, facilities and recreation, an opportunity to partner with the University of Windsor.

“This is the firth year that the students have helped. All of the trees are tagged and it’s a free giveaway, everyone can get two trees,” said Heidi Baillargeon.

While trees were available beginning at 9 a.m., Baillargeon said that some local residents had arrived at the Libro Centre as early as 7:30 a.m. , which had a continual lineup of vehicles during the “Map and Grow” giveaway. 

While Red Maple continues to be the favourite species, many took home Kentucky Coffee Tree, Red Oak, Tulip Tree and Service Berry.

The University of Windsor’s School of the Environment tagged the trees so they can monitor their growth.

“Every year we can track how they are surviving. They measure their height each year. The idea is to track the town’s tree canopy. There is never enough. Not all the trees survive,” noted Baillargeon.

Baillargeon added that over the past four years, since the “Map and Grow” program started, Amherstburg has seen a lot more trees reaching maturing and thriving.

“They are doing great. We have collected an amazing amount of data,” she said.

While the tree giveaway was going on, the park was getting a new look thanks in part to the town’s Environment Advisory Committee. Different species were planted and for many, like the Kroker family who dug deep and planted a Serviceberry, it was a chance to provide future shade and beautification.

Helping out at the tree planting were Mayor Michael Prue, and Councillors Don McArthur and Molly Allaire.

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970 and is considered to be the world’s largest environmental movement.

Town active on Earth Day with tree giveaways and plantings

By Fred Groves