Photo supplied.
Otonabee Regional Conservation Authority (ORCA) is once again encouraging landowners in the Otonabee Region Watershed to enhance their property and help to fight climate change by planting trees. Each year, ORCA offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species for landowners to purchase. Orders can be placed online at otonabeeconservation.com
“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment; planting more trees will help us fight climate change,” explains Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program at the Conservation authority. “Last year, landowners in our watershed purchased and planted 5,550 trees and shrubs through our Tree Seedling Sales Program, which translates to approximately, 1 million kg of sequestered Carbon over the lifetime of these trees!”
Landowners can choose from a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs including White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Highbush Cranberry, and Buttonbush, along with some unique species such as Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory, and Serviceberry. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species. The program encourages the reforestation of marginal and idle land, enhances forest diversity and sustainability.
A diversity of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and plants play a significant role in the environmental health of the Otonabee Region watershed. Trees, grasses, and shrubs growing along waterways soak up nutrients before they reach the water, protecting water quality. A diversity of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and plants play a significant role in the environmental health of the Otonabee Region watershed.
ORCA has been involved in tree planting and forest management since the early 1960’s, and also owns and manages 2,309 hectares of forest covering 42% of the its local watershed.
Forests moderate the ebb and flow of rivers over the year, reducing floods during the spring melt and keeping rivers flowing in the dry summer months. Forests provide critical habitat for birds, animals, & other creatures. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses from the air, such as sulfur dioxide & carbon monoxide, and release oxygen. One large tree can supply a day’s worth of oxygen for four people, and three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent.
“Trees and forests also protect water quality in our rivers and streams,” continues Carter, “They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife and they add to the health of our communities by purifying the air and enhancing the environment that surrounds us.”
Orders can be submitted online now, for pickup in spring 2020, with an order deadline of March 15th. Otonabee Conservation expects the seedlings to arrive at the conservation authority office in late April, at which time landowners will be contacted and pick-up times will be arranged.
Details about this Tree Seedling Sales Program, including helpful tips about planting and caring for young seedlings, choosing the right trees for your land, and the online ordering system are available at www.otonabeeconservation.com/programs/tree-planting. KG