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COMMUNITY AMBITIOUS PROJECT TAKES ROOT UONEH - dl UL | 2 COMMUNITY CHALLENGED TO PLANT 65,000 TREES MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Halton Hills is about to get a lot greener. A local new environ- mental group, aptly named Trees for Halton Hills, has launched a challenge for residents and busi- nesses to plant 65,000 trees throughout the community in the next five years — one new tree for every citizen of the municipality. “We know that global warming is changing our weather and is a threat, "said group chair Ann Lawlor. “One way we can all take action is by nurturing the trees in our environment and our live: To get “everyone inspired, Trees for Halton Hills has created a native tree and shrub arbore- tum in Joseph Gibbons Park on Delrex Boulevard that officially opened earlier this month in con- NAPA S Ui Ke) ste) junction with the challenge launch. The green space contains 21 different species of trees — a about a dozen shrub variet- s that were planted this spring by Trees for Halton Hills volun- Signs that identify each spe- cies have been installed with links to the group's website to provide further details. "It truly was a labour of love," said group member Hal Watson. We thous! ht this was a way to ed- ucate the community about the importance of: native tree species and shrubs." He aaded that ‘Trees for Halton Hills e arboretum will saotivate Pes slaome to do plant- their own property. If they do, the trees can be regis- tered at 65000trees.ca to count to- ward the community grand total. Lawlor said the group thinks that "trees have super powers" with all that they do, such as mod- = Oil & Filter (includes up to 6 litres regular oil.) - Complete top to bottom check over. - Installation of winter tires (already on rims) included. erating the temperature, helping the ground absorb water during storms, buffering and ab- sorbing carbon that pollutes the alr. "Native trees are also essential for our region's unique biodiver- sity," she said. Ultimately, the group's vision is to have a “low-carbon, green community, which is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, extraordinary urban forest and fresh, clean air," sald Lawlor. volunteers are to realize this through promoting the envi- mental benefits of trees, sourcing and distributing seed- lings and young trees for plant- ing, and targeting sites for plant- ing in parks and at schools, churches, businesses, etc. Joined by Mayor Rick Bon- nette, councillors and Credit Val- ley Conservation, the 65,000 tree challenge launch also included a pledge from the municipality and conservation authority to plant thousands of trees to increase the urban tree canopy in Halton EXTRAS - $5.00 Tim's Card - Windshield Washer Fluid - 12 Pack of Pop oe READERS’ CHOICE 2021 Melanie Hennessey/ Metroland Ann Lawlor (left) and Hal Watson of Trees for Halton Hills are joined by Woody the tree to launch the community planting challenge. Hills. Community planting events will be planned to give residents a chance to pitch in. Funding for the arboretum Canada which is being facilitated by com. munity foundations across the country. Sue Lawrenson of the Community Foundation of Hal- ton North said the new arbore- tum "builds a pandemic-resistant space for the future." ‘Public spaces are the glue to our mmunities," she said. "They enable a feeling of belong- ing, of social cohesion and en- courage our sense of collective identity.” For more information, visit treesforhaltonhills.ca. NOW ON! only Prices are +HST * Call for an $9995 Appointment syntneticioi *Most Vehicles. sis to)6 litres) ee HASSELL AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE